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NCT Number: NCT06559228

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

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.

Active, Not Recruiting

This study is active but is not currently recruiting participants.

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Key information

Conditions

Cancer Neoplasms

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 2

Primary location

University of Minnesota

Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • 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

Exclusion criteria

  • Children

Treatment and study plan

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.

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

Primary outcomes

  1. Number of self-reported social needs

    Time frame: Day 90

    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.

  2. Reported social needs that are partially or completely met

    Time frame: Day 90

    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.

Secondary outcomes

  1. Number of connections with needed social and community services with needed social and community services

    Time frame: Day 90

    Change in self-reported levels of distress using the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer from baseline (time of randomization) to day 90 after enrollment

  2. Quality of life

    Time frame: Day 90

    Change in self-reported quality of life from baseline (time of randomization) to day 90 after enrollment using the Functional Assessment of Cancer Survey-General

  3. Satisfaction with Care

    Time frame: Day 90

    Change in self-reported satisfaction with care from baseline (time of randomization) to day 90 after enrollment using the Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Minnesota

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2025
Primary completion
2026
Study completion
2026
First posted
Aug 19, 2024
Registry last updated
May 8, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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