# Improving cancer clinical trial enrollment and patient understanding using TrialTalk, a structured communication method: a pilot randomized controlled trial

## TL;DR

A new communication method called TrialTalk helps oncologists better explain cancer clinical trials to patients, leading to higher consent rates.

## Contribution

The TrialTalk method improves patient understanding and consent rates for clinical trials through structured communication.

## Key findings

- Patients of TrialTalk-trained oncologists were significantly more likely to consent to clinical trials.
- Enrollment rates after consent were similar between TrialTalk and control groups.
- Oncologists successfully implemented the TrialTalk method after training.

## Abstract

Structured, easy-to-interpret approaches are needed to facilitate preference-sensitive decision-making about cancer treatments. The TrialTalk method incorporates a verbal component and a pen-and-paper diagram that outlines the diagnosis, prognostic implications, treatment options, potential outcomes, and anticipated impacts on daily life. This pilot study examined (1) oncologists’ ability to learn and then implement the tool in their clinical practice and (2) the effect of the TrialTalk method on clinical trial consent and enrollment.

Twenty-seven oncologists from a single academic institution were randomly assigned to the intervention group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 13). Intervention group oncologists completed a single, 2-hour TrialTalk training program including a didactic, simulated session with patient actors and feedback from the trainer. Additional feedback and question/answer sessions were available. Oncologists in the control group did not receive TrialTalk training. Clinical trial decisions were collected from patients seen by oncologists in both groups.

Intervention oncologists demonstrated fidelity with the tool after training. Patients of oncologists in the intervention group were significantly more likely to consent to participate in clinical trials than patients of oncologists in the control group (92.9% vs. 82.4%, p = 0.04). Actual enrollment rates after signing consent were equal in both groups (78.2% in the intervention group vs. 73.3% in the control group).

Patients who met with TrialTalk-trained oncologists were more likely to sign consent to participate in a clinical trial. The decision-making conversation with the oncologist is a critical moment for patients considering clinical trial participation, and targeting these encounters has the potential to increase overall trial participation rates.

ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03656276.