Financial Compass A Pilot Study Testing a New Program to Help Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Financial Hardship

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating a financial intervention called Financial Compass to identify and address financial hardship in patients with head and neck cancer. This study aims to tailor the Financial Compass intervention to meet patient needs and test its feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects compared to usual care. Financial hardship in these patients has been linked to poorer overall and cancer-specific survival, highlighting the importance of this research. Participants first engage in advisory board discussions to refine the Financial Compass intervention. Then, patients who screen positive for financial hardship are randomly assigned to receive either the Financial Compass interventionincluding a patient needs assessment, a customized care plan, and weekly personalized support to access resourcesor usual care involving standard medical consultations and supportive care. After the intervention period, patients are followed for up to 12 weeks. During the study, participants complete screening questionnaires and take part in assessments related to financial concerns. Researchers monitor the development and feasibility of the Financial Compass intervention over two years and up to 12 weeks respectively. The study includes questionnaires and supportive care evaluations, aiming to understand how well the intervention works in helping patients manage financial difficulties alongside their cancer treatment.

A Financial Intervention (Financial Compass) to Identify and Address Financial Hardship Among Head and Neck Cancer Patients, Financial Compass Trial