Randomized Study of the CARE Tool for Cancer Patients Providing Information on Cancer Care Costs, Insurance, and Resources

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a multi-site randomized trial to study the implementation and evaluation of the CARE Tool. The CARE Tool is a web-based resource that provides patients with personalized information about cancer care costs, health insurance, and financial support options. The study focuses on helping patients with gynecologic, prostate, lung, or colorectal cancer overcome challenges in navigating insurance and accessing financial resources. Participants include patients and members of their care teams. Patients will either review the CARE Tool or standard web-based financial education information, then complete surveys immediately after and three months later. Care team members identified as implementation champions will receive training on the CARE Tool and cost conversations, followed by surveys after training and at the end of the trial. The study uses a parallel design with randomized allocation. During the study, patients will complete surveys measuring financial toxicity, communication confidence about care costs, and health insurance literacy over a three-month period. Additional outcomes include therapy adherence and delayed care reports. Care team champions will complete surveys assessing the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of the CARE Tool at recruitment start and completion over two years. The trial runs from April 2026 to July 2028.

CARE Tool Study Aim 3