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Symptoms and SignsNCT05958316

Heuristic Tool To Improve Symptom Self-Management in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer

A study testing Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) Intervention in people with Symptoms and Signs and Cancer, run by Virginia Commonwealth University at 5 sites in United States.

Recruiting

Looking for participants now. Contact the study team or a site below to ask about taking part.

Sites and contacts
Official record
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Trial summary

Determine the effects of the Computerized Symptom Assessment Tool (C-SCAT) versus usual care on the primary outcomes of self-efficacy for symptom management and symptom self-management behaviors Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 15 to 29 years
Conditions the study is for
Symptoms and Signs, Cancer, Childhood Cancer
What is being tested?
Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) Intervention
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
126 participants
Where
5 sitesUnited States
Study dates
4 Jan 2024to 31 Aug 2027
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
Not yet: the study is under way

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 15 to 29 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Has received at least 1 cycle of cancer treatment and is within 6 months of receiving that first cycle of treatment
  • Receiving regularly scheduled cancer treatment and will be receiving at least three more cycles
  • Reports at least 1 symptom related to cancer and/or its treatment
  • Able to speak, read, and write English as required for completion of the C-SCAT and study measures

Who cannot join

  • Cognitive and/or physical inability to complete study measures.

Trial locations and contacts

5 sites in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.

Grace Hodges contact

804-828-8917

hodgesg@vcu.edu

5 sites in 1 country

United States5 sites, 4 recruiting
  • Children's Mercy Hospital

    Kansas City, Missouri, 64108

    Kristin Stegenga, 816-302-6841, kstegenga@cmh.edu

    Kristin Stegenga

    Recruiting
  • Virginia Commonwealth University

    Richmond, Virginia, 23298

    Grace Hodges, 804-828-8917, rkelswic@vcu.edu

    Ronald Elswick, PhD

    Recruiting
  • University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI)

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84112

    Lauri Linder, 801-581-4339, lauri.linder@nurs.utah.edu

    Lauri Linder

    Recruiting
  • University of Utah Primary Children's Hospital

    Salt Lake City, Utah, 84113

    Lauri Linder, 801-581-4339, lauri.linder@nurs.utah.edu

    Lauri Linder

    Recruiting
  • Seattle Children's Hospital @ University of Washington

    Seattle, Washington, 98105

    Active, not recruiting

Other trials in United States

About this study

Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using a Heuristic Tool To Improve Symptom Self-Management in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer

Determine the effects of the Computerized Symptom Assessment Tool (C-SCAT) versus usual care on the primary outcomes of self-efficacy for symptom management and symptom self-management behaviors

Read the detailed description

This is a multi-site two-group randomized control trial (RCT) design to evaluate the effects of the Computerized Symptom Assessment Tool (C-SCAT) for improving symptom self-management versus usual care in 126 adolescents and young adults (AYAs) who are within the first three months of a diagnosis of cancer and who are receiving cancer treatment. For this study, cancer treatment will be defined as a prescribed infusion ( e.g., chemotherapy, immunotherapy).

Being tested
Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) Intervention, Usual Care Control
Keywords
Supportive Care, Symptom Management
Medical subject headings
Signs and Symptoms, Neoplasms

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) InterventionBehavioural

    The C-SCAT includes the 32 symptoms from the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Users select symptoms they have experienced over the past week, rate each symptom's severity and distress, and name a perceived cause. They then identify temporal and causal relationships between symptoms using lines and arrows, designate groups, i.e., "clusters" of symptoms, and give a name to each cluster. They are asked the reason for a symptom's designation as a priority symptom and what they do to alleviate that symptom. Next, they are asked to designate a priority cluster and finally, to confirm whether the image accurately reflects their symptom experience. Then, at the clinic visit, the AYA shares the visual image with the HCP, and more importantly, their priority symptoms, which can facilitate the symptom discussion. The C-SCAT intervention group will complete the C-SCAT prior to each of three encounters with their health care providers (HCPs).

  • Usual Care ControlBehavioural

    Usual care is defined as the usual approach to assessing symptoms during the HCP encounter. To provide attentional control to the usual care control group and prevent disproportionate attrition from that group, study staff will contact participants three times during the intervention period (approximately 3 months) when they are in for a scheduled clinic visit and communicate the following: 1) express appreciation for ongoing study participation; 2) ask how everything is going with their treatment; 3) ask if anything has changed with their treatment plan since the last study visit; and 4) confirm continued participation in the study.

Study groups in NCT05958316
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
Computerized Symptom Assessment Tool C-SCATExperimentalParticipants will be asked to complete the C-SCAT at three of their clinic visits for cancer treatment in addition to usual care for assessing symptoms. This intervention period will last up to about 12 weeks, depending on cancer treatment schedule (for example, every 2, 3 or 4 weeks).
Receives: Behavioral: Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) Intervention
Usual Care Control GroupActive comparatorParticipants will follow usual care for cancer symptoms for up to 12 weeks, depending on how cancer treatment schedule (for example, every 2, 3 or 4 weeks).
Receives: Behavioral: Usual Care Control

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on the primary outcomes of self-efficacy for symptom management immediately post intervention (Time 1) by comparing the scores from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®; PROMIS® Scale.

    Self-efficacy for symptom management will be assessed with the PROMIS® Self Efficacy for Symptom Management Scale that contains 28 items and assess the person's current level of confidence to manage/control symptoms, manage symptoms in different settings, and keep symptoms from interfering with work, relationships, or activities. Response options are on a 5-point Likert scale (1=I am not confident at all; 5=I am very confident). Scores are summed across items, and higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy

    Measured: Baseline- Week 0

  2. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on the primary outcomes of self-efficacy for symptom management immediately post intervention (Time 1) by comparing the scores from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®; PROMIS® Scale.

    Self-efficacy for symptom management will be assessed with the PROMIS® Self Efficacy for Symptom Management Scale that contains 28 items and assess the person's current level of confidence to manage/control symptoms, manage symptoms in different settings, and keep symptoms from interfering with work, relationships, or activities. Response options are on a 5-point Likert scale (1=I am not confident at all; 5=I am very confident). Scores are summed across items, and higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy

    Measured: 2 weeks post intervention (Timepoint 1)

  3. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on the primary outcomes of self-efficacy for symptom management at follow up (Time 2) by comparing the scores from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®; PROMIS® Scale.

    Self-efficacy for symptom management will be assessed with the PROMIS® Self Efficacy for Symptom Management Scale that contains 28 items and assess the person's current level of confidence to manage/control symptoms, manage symptoms in different settings, and keep symptoms from interfering with work, relationships, or activities. Response options are on a 5-point Likert scale (1=I am not confident at all; 5=I am very confident). Scores are summed across items, and higher scores indicate greater self-efficacy

    Measured: 4 weeks following Timepoint 1 (Timepoint 2)

  4. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on the primary outcomes of symptom self-management behaviors immediately post intervention (Time 1) by comparing the scores from the Symptom Self-management Behaviors Tool (SSMBT).

    The SSMBT contains 12 items with two subscales: Manage Symptoms (8 items) that addresses behaviors related to managing their symptoms, and Talk to Healthcare Provider (4 items) that addresses behaviors related to communicating with their HCP about their symptoms. Items are scored using a 5-point Likert scale (0=never/rarely; 4=always). Scores are summed across all items. Higher scores indicate higher engagement in SS-M behaviors.

    Measured: Baseline- Week 0

  5. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on the primary outcomes of symptom self-management behaviors immediately post intervention (Time 1) by comparing the scores from the Symptom Self-management Behaviors Tool (SSMBT).

    The SSMBT contains 12 items with two subscales: Manage Symptoms (8 items) that addresses behaviors related to managing their symptoms, and Talk to Healthcare Provider (4 items) that addresses behaviors related to communicating with their HCP about their symptoms. Items are scored using a 5-point Likert scale (0=never/rarely; 4=always). Scores are summed across all items. Higher scores indicate higher engagement in SS-M behaviors.

    Measured: 2 weeks post intervention (Timepoint 1)

  6. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on the primary outcomes of symptom self-management behaviors at follow up (Time 2) by comparing the scores from the Symptom Self-management Behaviors Tool (SSMBT).

    The SSMBT contains 12 items with two subscales: Manage Symptoms (8 items) that addresses behaviors related to managing their symptoms, and Talk to Healthcare Provider (4 items) that addresses behaviors related to communicating with their HCP about their symptoms. Items are scored using a 5-point Likert scale (0=never/rarely; 4=always). Scores are summed across all items. Higher scores indicate higher engagement in SS-M behaviors.

    Measured: 4 weeks following Timepoint 1 (Timepoint 2)

Secondary outcomes (12)
  1. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (symptom severity) at baseline, by comparing the scores from the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS).

    Symptom severity in the past week will be assessed with the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Participants rate the severity on a 4-point Likert scale (1=slightly; 4=very severe), and the distress on a 5-point Likert scale (0=none; 4=very much).

    Measured: Baseline-Week 0

  2. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (symptom severity) immediately post intervention (Time 1) by comparing the scores from the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS).

    Symptom severity in the past week will be assessed with the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Participants rate the severity on a 4-point Likert scale (1=slightly; 4=very severe), and the distress on a 5-point Likert scale (0=none; 4=very much).

    Measured: 2 weeks post intervention (Timepoint 1)

  3. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (symptom severity) immediately post intervention (Time 2) by comparing the scores from the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS).

    Symptom severity in the past week will be assessed with the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Participants rate the severity on a 4-point Likert scale (1=slightly; 4=very severe), and the distress on a 5-point Likert scale (0=none; 4=very much).

    Measured: 4 weeks following Timepoint 1 (Timepoint 2)

  4. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (symptom distress), at baseline, by comparing the scores from the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS).

    Symptom distress in the past week will be assessed with the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Participants rate the distress on a 4-point Likert scale (1=slightly; 4=very severe), and the distress on a 5-point Likert scale (0=none; 4=very much).

    Measured: Baseline- Week 0

  5. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (symptom distress) immediately post intervention (Time 1) by comparing the scores from the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS).

    Symptom distress in the past week will be assessed with the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Participants rate the distress on a 4-point Likert scale (1=slightly; 4=very severe), and the distress on a 5-point Likert scale (0=none; 4=very much).

    Measured: 2 weeks post intervention (Timepoint 1)

  6. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (symptom distress) immediately post intervention (Time 2) by comparing the scores from the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS).

    Symptom distress in the past week will be assessed with the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS). Participants rate the distress on a 4-point Likert scale (1=slightly; 4=very severe), and the distress on a 5-point Likert scale (0=none; 4=very much).

    Measured: 4 weeks following Timepoint 1 (Timepoint 2)

  7. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (social function) at baseline, by comparing the PROMIS SF v2.0 Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities scores.

    Quality of life (QOL) social function will be assessed with the PROMIS SF v2.0 Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities. It contains 8 items, is scored on a 5-point Likert response scale (5=never; 1=always)

    Measured: Baseline- Week 0

  8. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (social function) immediately post intervention (Time 1) by comparing the PROMIS SF v2.0 Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities scores.

    Quality of life (QOL) social function will be assessed with the PROMIS SF v2.0 Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities. It contains 8 items, is scored on a 5-point Likert response scale (5=never; 1=always)

    Measured: 2 weeks post intervention (Timepoint 1)

  9. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (social function) post intervention (Time 2) by comparing the PROMIS SF v2.0 Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities scores.

    Quality of life (QOL) social function will be assessed with the PROMIS SF v2.0 Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities. It contains 8 items, is scored on a 5-point Likert response scale (5=never; 1=always)

    Measured: 4 weeks following Timepoint 1 (Timepoint 2)

  10. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (satisfaction with social function) post intervention (Time 2) by comparing the PROMIS SF v2.0 Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities.

    QOL satisfaction with social function will be assessed with the PROMIS SF v2.0 Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities. It contains eight items, is scored on a 5-point Likert response scale (1=not at all; 5=very much)

    Measured: Baseline -week 0

  11. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (satisfaction with social function) post intervention (Time 2) by comparing the PROMIS SF v2.0 Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities.

    QOL satisfaction with social function will be assessed with the PROMIS SF v2.0 Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities. It contains eight items, is scored on a 5-point Likert response scale (1=not at all; 5=very much)

    Measured: 2 weeks post intervention (Timepoint 1)

  12. Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on secondary outcomes (satisfaction with social function) post intervention (Time 2) by comparing the PROMIS SF v2.0 Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities.

    QOL satisfaction with social function will be assessed with the PROMIS SF v2.0 Satisfaction with Social Roles and Activities. It contains eight items, is scored on a 5-point Likert response scale (1=not at all; 5=very much)

    Measured: 4 weeks following Timepoint 1 (Timepoint 2)

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted24 Jul 2023
  2. Study start4 Jan 2024
  3. Primary completion31 Aug 2027 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Aug 2027 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
None (open label)
Enrolment
126 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05958316
Sponsor's protocol ID
MCC-22-20031
Other IDs
HM20025194, SSU00210247, 1R01CA286799-01
Status last verified
Oct 2026
First submitted
14 Jul 2023
Last updated
26 Oct 2026
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
Individual data sharing
No

Publications

  • Ameringer S, Hodges G, Elswick RK Jr, Linder L, Macpherson CF, Stegenga K. Using a Heuristic Tool to Improve Symptom Self-Management in Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial. JMIR Res Protoc. 2025 Dec 24;14:e76667. doi: 10.2196/76667.

    PubMed 41442319

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Computerized Symptom Capture Tool (C-SCAT) Intervention in people with Symptoms and Signs and Cancer, run by Virginia Commonwealth University at 5 sites in United States.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 1 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 26 Oct 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 5 sites in United States. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Grace Hodges (804-828-8917, hodgesg@vcu.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Effects of the C-SCAT versus usual care on the primary outcomes of self-efficacy for symptom management immediately post intervention (Time 1) by comparing the scores from the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System®; PROMIS® Scale. (time frame: Baseline- Week 0). The study lists 6 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?

On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT05958316, which also lists 1 linked publication.

Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 26 Oct 2026; AzTrials last refreshed its copy on 7 Nov 2026.

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