RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Screening for Supportive Care Needs of Oncological Patients and Professionals - Evaluation of a Short PRO-question Set

This study aims to improve how we check on cancer patients' well-being and support needs in German hospitals. Currently, different hospitals use different ways to ask patients about their symptoms and quality of life, which can make it hard to compare results and provide consistent care. This project focuses on a short set of questions designed to quickly identify what support patients might need and how they are feeling. Researchers want to see if both patients and healthcare professionals find these questions helpful and easy to use. By making this process more standard, the goal is to ensure patients receive timely, personalised care and that any side effects or support needs are noticed sooner.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University Medical Center Goettingen

Enrolment target

900

Start

01 Dec 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2027

What is this study about?

When someone has cancer, it's really important to know not just about their illness, but also about how they're feeling, their symptoms, and what kind of support they might need. This is often called their 'patient-reported outcomes' or PROs. Currently, in German hospitals, the way this information is collected can be a bit mixed up. Different hospitals might ask different questions, making it hard to compare results or make sure everyone gets the same high standard of care.

This study is trying to fix that. It's looking at a specific, shorter set of questions to see if it can be a better, more consistent way to understand what cancer patients and the healthcare staff looking after them need. The main idea is to find out if these questions are simple to use and genuinely helpful. If they are, it could mean that patients' needs are spotted sooner, and their care can be made more personal and effective.

Researchers will ask patients to complete these questionnaires to see how easy they are to fill in and if patients feel they capture what's important. They will also gather feedback from doctors and nurses in special discussion groups to hear their thoughts on how useful these questions are in their daily work. The hope is that by standardising this process, all cancer patients will receive better, more joined-up support.

Key takeaways

This study aims to improve how hospitals identify cancer patients' needs.
It tests a new, shorter set of questions for both patients and staff.
The goal is more consistent and personalised patient care.
Participation involves completing questionnaires and giving feedback.
No new treatments or medications are involved.
Your input could help improve care for future cancer patients.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a cancer diagnosis. It's also important that you can understand the study information and agree to take part without feeling pressured. You'll also need to have a good understanding of the German language so you can properly fill out the questionnaires and give your feedback.

There are some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you are under 18 years old, you wouldn't be able to participate. Also, if for any reason you can't understand the study or give your consent freely, you wouldn't be eligible. Lastly, if you don't speak German well enough to understand the study materials, you wouldn't be able to take part.

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?
Do you have a cancer diagnosis?
Can you understand information about the study and agree to take part?
Do you understand German well enough to read and answer questions?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study doesn't involve any new treatments or medications. If you take part, you would be asked to complete a set of questionnaires. The main aim is to see how easy these questions are to understand and answer, and if you feel they cover the important aspects of your care and support needs. The researchers will also ask for your feedback on the questions themselves. It's not specified how many times you would need to complete them or over what period, but the process is focused on gathering your opinions and experiences with the questionnaire.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study does not involve any medical risks as it only asks for your opinions and experiences through questionnaires. A potential benefit could be that your feedback helps shape better, more personalised care for future cancer patients. You might also feel you are contributing to improving healthcare. However, the questions might sometimes touch on sensitive topics, and you are always free to skip any question or withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your care.

Locations (1)

University Medical Center Göttingen, Department of Gastroenterology, gastrointestinal oncology and endocrinology
Verified postcode
Göttingen, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'patient-reported outcome' (PRO)?

A PRO is information about your health, symptoms, and quality of life that comes directly from you, the patient, rather than from a doctor's assessment.

Why is this study important for cancer patients?

It could help make sure that cancer patients' needs and symptoms are understood more quickly and consistently, leading to better and more personalised support throughout their treatment.

Do I have to take new medicine or treatment?

No, this study is not about new medicines or treatments. It's about a questionnaire to help understand patient needs.

Will my care be affected if I don't join?

No, your decision to join or not join this study will not affect the medical care you receive in any way.

What language do I need to speak to participate?

You need to have a good understanding of the German language to take part in this study.

How to find out more

Sabrina Dr. Sulzer

sabrina.sulzer@med.uni-goettingen.de 0551 39 62313 Official trial record

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