The Influence of Clinical Specialist Radiation Therapist (CSRT)-Led Telephone Follow-up on Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale (ESAS) Scores in Patients Who Have Been Treated With Lung Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

Design:

The design of this study is a randomized control trial. The study population will include patients treated with lung SBRT at Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre (OCC) over a specified 1 year time period who have consented to participating in the study.

Methods:

Patients who consent to the study will be randomized into either the control group or intervention group. Simple randomization will be completed using a computer-generated random number table. Baseline ESAS scores will be collected on the last day of radiation treatment for both groups. Patients in the intervention group will be telephoned by the CSRT 4-6 weeks after completion of their treatment to assess any symptoms. The CSRT will advise the patient on how to manage their side effects and address any anxieties the patient may feel based on published response care paths such as Cancer Care Ontario's Symptom Management Guide. Referrals to the attending radiation oncologist will be made if the patients response in the physical items of ESAS such as pain, nausea and shortness of breath increases to above 2 from their baseline or if they require medical management for a side effect such as esophagitis. If there is an increase in the emotional symptom scores to greater than 2, the CSRT will discuss supportive options and facilitate a referral to social work with the patients' permission. Each telephone call will be logged on a standard template. A second follow up telephone call will be made at 12 weeks post treatment if required in order to address treatment related side effects that were identified during the first call and any interventions that were recommended. When the patient returns to clinic for their first regularly scheduled follow-up appointment, ESAS will be completed as well as a questionnaire to assess their opinions regarding their follow up.

Patients in the control group will have the standard follow up plan as outlined earlier (CT of the chest, abdomen and pelvis prior to follow-up with the radiation oncologist 4 months after the completion of their treatment) and will be asked to complete a questionnaire to assess their opinions regarding follow up during their clinic appointment. In order to control for an "attention effect" that may be seen in the intervention group, patients in the control group will get a placebo or sham telephone call initiated by a research assistant 4-6 weeks after completion of their treatment. This telephone call will simply confirm their follow up appointment and should the patient bring up any issues, they will be referred to the appropriate nursing telephone line.