Investigating the impact of a Neuro-Oncology nurse home visiting service in the management of patients with glioblastoma - Trial ANZCTR12623000429651

Timeline & Enrollment

Primary Outcome

30-day readmission rates. This data will be collected prospectively when patients are seen in clinic, and also by a review of their medical record. ;; Number of visits to the emergency departement. This data will be collected prospectively when patients are seen in clinic, and also by a review of their medical record. ;; Qualitative one on one face to face interviews with patients and their carers performed by a member of the research team. Questions to be asked may include: a description about their brain tumour journey; how they feel about the level of care they have received in regards of their medical needs; to discuss their experiences with the nurses and the level of care they have received from them; their thoughts about having the nurses come into their home for care; any aspects of their care that they think could be improved.

Summary

Patients with glioblastoma have particular needs that distinguish them from other patients with cancer, as they also have neurological issues that can affect them physically, cognitively and psychologically. This in turn produces significant burdens on their carers. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of having brain tumour nurses visit patients at home. Who is it for? You may be eligible for this study if you are aged 18 years or older, you have been diagnosed with a glioblastoma, and you are well enough to undergo combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment. Study details Participants who choose to enrol in this study will be randomly allocated by chance (similar to flipping a coin) to one of two groups. Participants who are allocated to the first group will have brain tumour nurses visit them at home every 2-4 weeks. This may increase over time as the needs of participants and their carers change. During the at home visits, nurses will assess the participant and carers needs and act as a point of contact to address any issues that may arise. Occupational therapists will assist in assessing the needs of these patients and providing the necessary equipment to enable them to remain safely at home. Participants who are allocated to the second group will continue to receive their usual care from their oncologist but will not receive at home visits from a brain tumour nurse or occupational therapist. These participants will be able to request additional assistance and equipment from the hospital if needed, but they will not have any at home visits as part of their involvement in the study. Participants in both groups will be asked to fill in forms to assess their symptoms. Participants who have the nurses visit them at home will be asked to attend one-on-one interviews with a member of the research team to provide their feedback on the care they have received. It is hoped this research will show whether providing at home care options to patients with glioblastoma has a positive impact upon their quality of life and reduces the need for hospital admission compared to usual care practices. If this study does show a positive impact of the at home visits, a larger trial involving a greater number of glioblastoma patients may be undertaken to further investigate this method of care.

ICD-10 Classifications