ConnectedNest: a Digital Platform Connecting Individuals With Cancer to Social Care

NCT06559228 | Active Not Recruiting Phase 2

• 1 other identifier: 2024LS102
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 400
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

Social determinants of health (SDoH) such as housing instability, food insecurity, and financial burden largely shape the health and well-being of individuals, create health inequities, and drive a large portion of avoidable adverse health outcomes and healthcare costs. With new advancements in treatment and rising out-of-pocket expenses, individuals facing cancer are especially vulnerable to the adverse effects of SDoH. To address these barriers, a novel solution is needed to support oncology patients, clinical teams, and community-based organizations (CBOs) across the cancer continuum. In a Phase I contract award, XanthosHealth developed ConnectedNest, a novel electronic social care referral platform to screen for SDoH needs and connect individuals with cancer to social and community services provided by CBOs while engaging the oncology team in the SDoH referral process. Through additional funding, a pilot study was completed in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in partnership with Minnesota Cancer Alliance, involving the collaboration of 14 CBOs focused on cancer. 50 cancer survivors from these CBOs were enrolled to utilize the ConnectedNest platform for a 90-day duration. Our study involved the collection and analysis of crucial metrics related to patient and CBO engagement, SDoH needs, and the volume of feasible social care referrals. In Phase II, the technical features and integration capabilities of ConnectedNest will be enhanced based on learnings in Phase I and completed pilot study. The platform will be implemented and tested among patients seen at multiple oncology clinics, evaluating health outcomes of patients who use the platform.

Conditions

Cancer

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (2)

• Number of self-reported social needs

  change in the number of reported social needs from baseline (time of randomization) to day 90 after enrollment using the validated Accountable Health Communities Health-related social needs screening tool.

  Day 90

• Reported social needs that are partially or completely met

  change in the number of reported social needs that are partially or completely met from baseline (time of randomization) to day 90 after enrollment using the validated Accountable Health Communities Health-related social needs screening tool.

  Day 90

Secondary Outcomes (3)

• Number of connections with needed social and community services with needed social and community services

  Day 90

• Quality of life

  Day 90

• Satisfaction with Care

  Day 90

Study Arms (2)

ConnectedNest adults

EXPERIMENTAL

adults undergoing active cancer therapy or in cancer survivorship seen in multi-site oncology practices randomized to receive ConnectedNest

Other: ConnectedNest

Standard of care adults

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

adults undergoing active cancer therapy or in cancer survivorship seen in multi-site oncology practices randomized to receive standard of care

Other: Standard of care

Interventions

ConnectedNest OTHER

Participants will receive a secure message to register and download ConnectedNest's patient app, EmpowerNest. They will be asked to complete a set of modules at baseline through ConnectedNest to understand their health related social needs and programs available to meet those needs. They will receive basic training on the functionality and services available within the app and asked to use the app to identify and connect with needed social and community services for 90 days. Participants will be directed to complete a survey at baseline, 30, 60, and 90 days to collect patient-reported outcomes.

ConnectedNest adults

Standard of care OTHER

Participants will be directed to complete a survey at baseline, 30, 60 and 90 days to collect patient-reported demographics, cancer characteristics and outcomes metrics

Standard of care adults

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Adults, age 18 and over
• undergoing active cancer therapy or in survivorship
• must be able to read and write in English
• Seen in a participating Minnesota oncology clinic

You may not qualify if:

• Children

Sponsors & Collaborators

• University of Minnesota: lead

Study Sites (1)

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Neoplasms

Interventions

Standard of Care

Intervention Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Quality Indicators, Health Care; Quality of Health Care; Health Services Administration; Health Care Quality, Access, and Evaluation

Study Officials

• Helen Parsons, PhD

  University of Minnesota

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: phase 2
• Allocation: RANDOMIZED
• Masking: NONE
• Purpose: HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: SPONSOR

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: August 15, 2024
• First Posted: August 19, 2024
• Study Start: June 12, 2025
• Primary Completion (Estimated): August 15, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): August 15, 2026
• Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-05

Locations

US (1)