The Karmanos Cancer Network and the McLaren Center for Research and Innovation (MCRI) have officially partnered on their first collaborative research study spanning both oncology and non-oncology research sites. The project, Ask Questions About Clinical Trials (ASQ CT), marks a significant milestone in integrating research efforts across McLaren Health Care and reflects a shared commitment to improving patient-centered communication about clinical trials.
Led by Lauren Hamel, Ph.D., MBA, co-leader of the Population Studies Research Program at the Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute and associate professor of Oncology at Wayne State University, the ASQ CT study aims to strengthen how providers discuss clinical trials with patients and how patients participate in those conversations. This project is funded by the McLaren Research Foundation.
Why This Study Matters
High-quality communication between patients and providers is a cornerstone of effective care. Research consistently shows that when patients feel informed, heard, and engaged, they experience better outcomes, greater satisfaction, and improved trust in their care team. These communication needs become even more critical when discussing clinical trials, where information is complex and decisions can feel overwhelming.
Despite the importance of clinical trials, enrollment remains low nationwide across the research industry. Many trials across cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other conditions struggle to accrue enough participants to answer essential scientific questions. Poor communication is a known contributor to low enrollment.
The ASQ CT study directly addresses this challenge.
The Intervention: A Question Prompt List (QPL) for Clinical Trials
The ASQ CT brochure is a question prompt list (QPL). This is a structured, patient-friendly tool that encourages individuals to ask questions, express concerns, and participate actively in treatment discussions. QPLs have been tested extensively in oncology and other medical settings, demonstrating improvements in:
- Patient knowledge and confidence.
- Quality of information exchanged.
- Shared decision making.
- Clinical trial invitations and discussions.
- Psychosocial outcomes such as anxiety and distress.
The ASQ CT brochure adapts this proven approach specifically for clinical trial conversations across multiple specialties.
A First-of-Its-Kind Collaboration
What makes this study historical for McLaren is its system-wide scope. For the first time, Karmanos network oncology sites and MCRI non-oncology sites will enroll patients in the same research study, creating a unified effort across specialties and locations.
Participating locations include nine Karmanos locations and the five MCRI sites. The locations represent cardiology, neurology, oncology, and other non-oncology specialties. This cross-disciplinary design reflects the growing recognition that clinical trials and communication challenges surrounding them are present across therapeutic areas.
The study will seek to recruit over 200 patients who are being considered for a clinical trial. Participants will receive the ASQ CT brochure and complete brief surveys before and after their clinical visit to assess communication quality, self-efficacy, knowledge, distress, trust, and whether clinical trials were discussed or offered.
Evaluating Impact Across the System
Using the RE AIM framework, the study will evaluate:
- Reach: Who participates and how representative they are
- Effectiveness: Impact on communication and patient-reported outcomes
- Adoption: How many clinics implement the intervention
- Implementation: Feasibility and consistency across sites
- Maintenance: Potential for long-term integration
This approach ensures that findings will inform not only research practice but also clinical operations across the McLaren system.
Looking Ahead
This project represents a significant step forward in unifying research efforts across McLaren Health Care. By improving how clinical trials are discussed, the study has the potential to strengthen trial accrual, enhance patient experience, and advance equitable access to research opportunities across both oncology and non-oncology care.
Learn more about the McLaren Center for Research and Innovation here.
For more information about the Population Studies Research Program at Karmanos, click here.