A Telehealth Advance Care Planning Intervention for Older Patients With Myeloid Malignancies: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the preliminary effects of a telehealth-delivered Serious Illness Care Program (SICP) on communication about healthcare, patient anxiety, distress, and completion of advance directives for older adults with acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, and related myeloid cancers. The trial is a pilot randomized study comparing this telehealth program to an education control. The SICP is designed to improve serious illness conversations between patients and their doctors through structured guidance and support. The study involves two groups: one receives the telehealth Serious Illness Care Program, which includes clinician tools like the Serious Illness Conversation Guide, patient education pamphlets on serious illness conversations, and guides for caregiver involvement. The other group receives educational materials about communication in cancer care provided by the National Cancer Institute. The intervention engages patients, caregivers, clinicians, and the healthcare system to promote better communication and planning. Participants will be assessed primarily on healthcare communication two months after starting the study. Secondary measures include distress levels, anxiety symptoms, and the completion of advance directives tracked throughout the study for up to two years. The study involves ongoing evaluations through questionnaires and monitoring to understand how the telehealth program impacts communication and patient well-being. The entire study participation timeline extends up to two years for some outcomes.

A Telehealth Advance Care Planning Intervention