Communicating health information and improving coordination with primary care (CHIIP): Rationale and design of a randomized cardiovascular health promotion trial for adult survivors of childhood cancer

Abstract

BackgroundLong-term survival for children diagnosed with cancer exceeds 80%. Notably, premature cardiovascular disease has become the leading non-cancer cause of late mortality among these survivors. Methods/designThis randomized controlled trial (RCT; NCT03104543) focuses on adult participants in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study identified as high risk for ischemic heart disease or heart failure due to their cancer treatment. Participants undergo a home-based evaluation of blood pressure and laboratory tests to determine the prevalence of undiagnosed and/or undertreated hypertension, dyslipidemia, and diabetes. Those with abnormal values are then enrolled in an RCT to test the efficacy of a 12-month personalized, remotely delivered survivorship care plan (SCP) intervention designed to reduce undertreatment of these three target conditions. The intervention approximates a clinical encounter and is based on chronic disease self-management strategies. ResultsWith a goal of 750, currently 342 out of 742 eligible participants approached have enrolled (46.1%). Initially, we randomized participants to different recruitment strategies, including shorter approach packets and a tiered consent, but did not find significant differences in participation rates (40.7% to 42.9%; p = .95). Subsequently, slightly greater participation was seen with larger upfront unconditional incentive checks ($50 vs. $25: 50.7% vs. 44.1%; p = .10). Overall, the financial impact of the $50 upfront incentive was cost neutral, and possibly cost-saving, vs. a $25 upfront incentive. ConclusionThe overall study will determine if a National Academy of Medicine-recommended SCP intervention can improve cardiovascular outcomes among long-term survivors of childhood cancer. Modifications to the recruitment strategy may improve participation rates over time.