RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06630962

Evaluating the Impact of Financial Navigation on Financial Catastrophe and Distress for Cancer Care

Evaluating the Impact of Financial Navigation on Financial Catastrophe and Distress for Cancer Care: A Randomized Control Trial- COST-FIN

Sponsor

Northwestern University

Enrollment

200 participants

Start Date

Jul 15, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Breast Neoplasm Prostate Neoplasm Colon Neoplasm Rectal Neoplasm

Summary

The goal of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a structured financial navigation program in reducing financial catastrophe and financial distress for cancer patients in Nigeria. The main study questions being investigated are: 1. If a financial navigation program can effectively and significantly reduce financial catastrophe and distress for cancer patients in Nigeria? 2. If a financial navigation program is financially sustainable and cost-effective for cancer centers in Nigeria? Participants will be required to: 1. Complete surveys about their demographics, clinical history, and socioeconomic status 2. Complete questionnaires about their quality of life and psychological wellbeing 3. Report all costs related to their cancer care Investigators will compare participants in the financial navigation program and those not in the financial navigation program to identify potential differences in catastrophic health expenditure and financial distress.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study is testing whether a "financial navigation" program — where a trained specialist helps cancer patients manage costs, find financial assistance, and reduce out-of-pocket expenses — can prevent financial hardship and reduce stress for newly diagnosed cancer patients. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older - You have been recently diagnosed with breast, colorectal, or prostate cancer (within the past 6 weeks) - You have not yet started your main cancer treatment (chemotherapy, radiation, or major surgery) - You are a candidate for curative cancer treatment **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have already started cancer treatment at this hospital or elsewhere - You are only receiving supportive care (not curative treatment) - You are unable to provide consent Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERFinancial Navigation Program

A salaried financial navigator will be hired by the study sites. All responsibilities of the navigator will revolve around the structured financial navigation program. There is currently no research indicating that such a role has been incorporated at cancer centers in sub-Saharan Africa. Through this program, the financial navigator will educate participants on financial literacy, insurance plans and payment options available through charities and financial assistance programs. In addition to providing financial counseling, the financial navigator will verify participant insurance documents, maintain records of financial agreements, and coordinate payments with insurance companies.