Leading cancer researchers are set to present findings from a groundbreaking study aimed at improving end-of-life care discussions for elderly cancer patients. The ACP PEACE trial, conducted under the NIH Collaboratory initiative, evaluates a novel comprehensive approach to advance care planning in oncology settings.
Novel Approach to Advance Care Planning
The study implements an innovative dual-intervention strategy that combines professional development for healthcare providers with patient-centered tools. This comprehensive program integrates specialized communication skills training for clinicians with video decision aids designed to support patients in making informed choices about their care goals.
Trial Design and Implementation
The research team employed a cluster randomized, stepped-wedge pragmatic trial design to evaluate the program's effectiveness. This sophisticated methodology allows for systematic implementation across different healthcare settings while maintaining scientific rigor in data collection and analysis.
Expert Leadership
The trial is led by two distinguished researchers in the field of oncology and palliative care. Dr. Angelo Volandes, Professor of Medicine at the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth and Vice Chair for Research in the Department of Medicine at Dartmouth Health, brings expertise in patient communication and decision-making. Dr. James Tulsky, Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School and the Poorvu Jaffe Chair of Supportive Oncology at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, contributes extensive experience in supportive care and physician-patient communication.
Significance for Oncology Care
This research addresses a critical need in oncology care, focusing on improving the quality and effectiveness of goals-of-care discussions for older adults facing advanced cancer. The integration of video decision aids with enhanced clinician communication skills represents a potentially transformative approach to advance care planning.
The findings from this important study will be presented at the PCT Grand Rounds on Friday, February 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM Eastern time, offering healthcare professionals insights into new strategies for improving end-of-life care discussions.
