Blood cancer Research Initiative Developing Greater Engagement with Community Providers and Patients aims to increase the enrollment of a diverse blood cancer patient population onto clinical trials at NewYork-Presbyterian Queens and NewYork-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. The program aims to address widely known barriers that prevent patients from enrolling on to trials including financial strain (known as financial toxicity), lack of awareness around clinical trials (among both providers and patients), and lack of support in the treatment decision-making process.
Our multiprong approach is outlined below:
Community
Raising awareness and education
The BRIDGE program will host workshops and create brief videos to inform community residents about blood cancers and various treatments inclusive of clinical trials.
Navigation
Clinical treatment decision support
Patient navigators will be specially trained in assisting patients with their treatment decisions, as well as educating patients on the benefits of clinical trials as a critical treatment option.
Providers
Educating the clinical workforce
Oncology, non-oncology providers, and support staff will learn about the latest in blood cancer treatment and clinical trials.
Resources
Staffing and financial support
BRIDGE provides institutional support for staffing to implement clinical trials at the regional hospitals of NewYork-Presbyterian. In addition, the program provides financial support to patients to offset excess costs for participating in clinical trials.
Screening
Assessing health related social needs
Patient navigators will screen all new patients for health-related social needs and provide linkages to community resources using a personalized community referral platform.