Results of a cluster randomized trial to evaluate a nursing lead supportive care intervention in newly diagnosed breast and colorectal cancer patients.

6035 Background: Patient transitions during the early phases of cancer care from initial diagnosis through oncology consultation are often poorly coordinated resulting in unmet need, poor continuity, and resultant distress. It has been proposed that better coordination of care during this period would improve the care experience from the patient’s perspective. We designed a randomized trial to test a community based nursing lead coordination of care intervention in newly diagnosed breast and colorectal cancer patients. Methods: Cluster randomized control trial in 193 newly diagnosed breast and colorectal cancer patients enrolled through surgical practices within 7 days of cancer surgery in Toronto, Canada. Surgical practices were randomized between a standardized nursing intervention and a control group involving usual care practices. The intervention consisted of a standardized in person supportive care assessment with ongoing supportive care by telephone or in person that included linkage to community services using protocol specified guidelines according to identified needs. The primary outcomes measured at 8 weeks were validated patient reported outcomes (PROs) of 1) unmet need (SCNS) and 2) continuity of care (CCCQI). Secondary outcomes included 1) quality of life (EORTC QLQ-C30), 2) health resource utilization, and 3) level of uncertainty with care trajectory (MUIS) at 8 weeks. Results: 121 breast and 72 colorectal patients were randomized through 28 surgical practices. The intervention group had a median of 6 nursing contacts over the study period. There were no differences between groups on PROs of unmet need, continuity of care, quality of life, or uncertainty. Health service utilization did not differ between groups. Conclusions: A specialized oncology nursing intervention early in the care trajectory did not result in improved supportive care outcomes for patients. [Table: see text]