RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Comparison of 30-day Morbidity and Mortality in Cancer Patients Based on Emergency Department Location

When cancer patients need emergency care, they might go to their usual cancer centre's emergency department or a general hospital ED. This study, called COVER, aims to find out if the specific location of the emergency department makes a difference to how well patients do after an emergency visit. Around 2.8% of emergency admissions in France are for cancer patients, and their care can be complicated. We want to see if being treated in an emergency department linked to a cancer centre, where doctors might have more expertise and access to patient files, leads to better health outcomes in the 30 days following the visit. This research could help improve how and where cancer patients receive emergency care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris

Enrolment target

2,000

Start

12 Apr 2025

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2026

Cancer Cancer Remission

What is this study about?

Imagine you have cancer and suddenly need emergency care. You might go to the emergency department (ED) at your regular cancer centre, or perhaps a general hospital ED that's closer to home or more convenient. This study, called COVER, is trying to understand if where you end up for that emergency care makes a difference to your health.

We know that dealing with emergencies for cancer patients can be tricky. These emergencies might be because the cancer has progressed, or they could be side effects from cancer treatments. Some emergency departments are set up specifically to handle these complex situations for cancer patients. However, for different reasons like distance or simply what's available, many cancer patients visit general emergency departments.

The main question this study wants to answer is: Does receiving emergency care at an ED that's part of or closely linked to a cancer treatment centre lead to better health outcomes for patients in the 30 days after their visit, compared to being seen at a general ED? Doctors at specialist centres often have a deeper understanding of cancer and access to detailed patient history, which might improve care. This study is the first to look specifically at how the emergency department's location affects patients with cancer, and the findings could help improve emergency care for people with cancer.

Key takeaways

This study compares emergency care for cancer patients.
It aims to see if specialist cancer EDs lead to better outcomes.
No new treatments are given; it's an observational study.
The study tracks patient health for 30 days after an emergency visit.
Findings could improve emergency care for cancer patients.
You can withdraw at any time without impacting your care.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old. You must have been admitted to an emergency department and have a diagnosis of cancer, whether it's currently active or has been in remission (meaning it's under control) for less than a year.

Unfortunately, if you don't want to participate in the study, then you won't be able to join. This is the main reason someone would not be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Have you been admitted to an emergency department?
Do you have a cancer diagnosis (active or in remission for less than a year)?
Are you happy to participate in the study?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, it's important to know that you won't be given any new treatments or medicines. The researchers will simply be looking at information gathered during your regular emergency department visit and your follow-up care. They will observe your health for 30 days after your emergency admission. You won't need to make any extra visits or have special assessments just for the study; they will use details from your existing medical records.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study involves no direct medical risks as you will not receive any new treatments or procedures. The potential benefit is that the information gathered could help improve emergency care for all cancer patients in the future, by identifying what type of emergency department care leads to the best outcomes. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Hôpital Pitié Salpêtrière Emergency department
Verified postcode
Paris, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of the COVER study?

The main goal is to see if the emergency department's location (like if it's connected to a cancer centre) affects how well cancer patients recover after an emergency visit.

Will I get new medicines or treatments if I join?

No, you won't receive any new medicines or treatments. The study observes care you would receive anyway.

How long will I be involved in the study?

The study will look at your health for 30 days after your emergency department visit.

Who can take part in this study?

Adults aged 18 and over who have been admitted to an emergency department with active cancer or cancer in remission for less than a year.

What if I change my mind about participating?

You can decide to leave the study at any time, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Yonathan FREUND, PU-PH

yonathan.freund@aphp.fr 00 33 (0) 184827129 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.