A nurse-led pilot study is underway across hospital sites in England and Scotland, focusing on improving access to clinical trials for lung cancer patients. The initiative, spearheaded by researchers at Oxford Brookes University, introduces a novel tool designed to support nurses in discussing clinical trial options with patients. This effort comes in response to declining participation rates in lung cancer clinical trials, despite their potential to offer access to innovative treatments.
The Lung I-ACT (Improving Access to Clinical Trials) study, backed by £147,000 in funding from the Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, aims to dismantle the obstacles that prevent lung cancer patients from participating in clinical trials. Professor Catherine Henshall, professor of nursing at Oxford Brookes University and associate director of nursing and midwifery at the National Institute for Health and Care Research, leads the project.
The Lung I-ACT Tool
The tool comprises a poster for nurses and a leaflet for patients. The poster serves as a reminder for nurses to continuously revisit the topic of clinical trials throughout the patient's lung cancer pathway. It emphasizes that nurses need not be experts but should be capable of providing patients with the necessary information for informed decision-making. The poster also includes space for staff to add details about local clinical trials and eligibility criteria.
The patient leaflet is designed to educate patients about clinical trials and direct them to additional resources. The tool's development was informed by previous phases of the Lung I-ACT study, including a literature review and focus groups with healthcare professionals, patients, and carers.
Addressing Barriers to Trial Participation
The earlier phases of the Lung I-ACT study identified several barriers to participation in lung cancer clinical trials. These include time constraints, clinical pressures, staff shortages, lack of knowledge among nurses regarding appropriate terminology and available trials, and patient concerns about financial or practical constraints. Patients also reported a lack of understanding regarding trial processes and misconceptions about the impact of trials on their clinical care.
Pilot Study Design
The pilot study is being conducted across seven sites in England and Scotland. Four sites serve as "pilot intervention sites," where nurses receive training on using the tool. The remaining three sites serve as control sites, where standard practices continue. All sites completed a baseline survey in September to assess their knowledge, confidence, and awareness of clinical trials. Follow-up surveys will be conducted after three and six months to evaluate the impact of the intervention.
Professor Henshall noted that preliminary data indicates similar baseline knowledge levels across all sites. The study aims to determine whether the intervention improves conversations between lung cancer patients and nurses regarding clinical trials. If successful, the research team plans to scale up the study across more sites in the UK and potentially internationally. The final results of the study are expected to be published in June 2025.
Potential for Wider Application
Professor Henshall envisions the tool being adapted for use in various healthcare settings, including GP practices and community settings, to reach more patients receiving care. This broader application could significantly enhance patient access to clinical trials and improve outcomes for individuals with lung cancer.
