ConnectedNest: a Digital Platform Connecting Individuals With Cancer to Social Care

University of Minnesota (UMN)

Status and phase: Not yet enrolling; Phase 2

Conditions: Cancer

Treatments: Other: Standard of care; Other: ConnectedNest

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT06559228

2024LS102

Details and patient eligibility

About

Social determinants of health (SDoH) such as housing instability, food insecurity, and financial burden largely shape the health and well-being of individuals, create health inequities, and drive a large portion of avoidable adverse health outcomes and healthcare costs. With new advancements in treatment and rising out-of-pocket expenses, individuals facing cancer are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of SDoH. To address these barriers, a novel solution is needed to support oncology patients, clinical teams, and community-based organizations (CBOs) across the cancer continuum. In a Phase I contract award, XanthosHealth developed ConnectedNest, a novel electronic social care referral platform to screen for SDoH needs and connect individuals with cancer to social and community services provided by CBOs while engaging the oncology team in the SDoH referral process. Through additional funding, a pilot study was completed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in partnership with Minnesota Cancer Alliance, involving the collaboration of 14 CBOs focused on cancer. 50 cancer survivors from these CBOs were enrolled to utilize the ConnectedNest platform for a 90-day duration. Our study involved the collection and analysis of crucial metrics related to patient and CBO engagement, SDoH needs, and the volume of feasible social care referrals. In Phase II, the technical features and integration capabilities of ConnectedNest will be enhanced based on learnings in Phase I and completed pilot study. The platform will be implemented and tested among patients seen at multiple oncology clinics, evaluating health outcomes of patients who use the platform.

Enrollment: 300 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Adults, age 18 and over
• undergoing active cancer therapy or in survivorship
• from the general adult cancer population in 6 oncology clinics which generally reflects the population of Minnesota and surrounding states
• must be able to read and write in English
• must also have access to a smartphone to download ConnectedNest. If they do not have access, a phone will be provided to them for study use

Exclusion criteria

• Children

Trial design

Primary purpose: Health Services Research

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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300 participants in 2 patient groups

ConnectedNest adults

Experimental group

Description:

adults undergoing active cancer therapy or in cancer survivorship seen in multi-site oncology practices within 3 MHealth Fairview sites and 3 Minnesota Oncology sites randomized to receive ConnectedNest

Treatment:

Other: ConnectedNest

Standard of care adults

Active Comparator group

Description:

adults undergoing active cancer therapy or in cancer survivorship seen in multi-site oncology practices within 3 MHealth Fairview sites and 3 Minnesota Oncology sites randomized to receive standard of care

Treatment:

Other: Standard of care