Study Title

Patient Navigation in the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Cancer Population

Summary

The purpose of this study is to develop and test a model of patient navigation that investigators hope will address the unique needs of adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients and their families by minimizing barriers in their care and potentially improving the outcomes of their treatment while reducing distress and enhancing quality of life. Investigators plan to achieve this by increasing access to, and use of, the resources available at Moffitt Cancer Center for AYA patients and their families.

Objective

OBJECTIVES Specific Aim 1: Adapt existing Moffitt Cancer Center (MCC) PN intervention strategies to AYA and develop an AYA PN intervention via formative research and key stakeholder involvement. Specific Aim 2: Evaluate in a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT; 50 cases and 50 controls) the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of an AYA PN intervention to reduce distress and enhance quality of life in newly diagnosed AYA patients by increasing access to, and utilization of, MCC resources by AYA patients and families. The formative research activities specific to Aim 1 are currently supported by a small grant from the University of South Florida. Recently, Teen Cancer America committed funds to support key stakeholder involvement and the development of a model PN AYA intervention. The focus of the current application is Aim 2. Results of this aim will inform the design of a future, large-scale, multi-site trial of the effectiveness of a model AYA PN.