ConnectedNest: a digital platform connecting individuals with cancer to social care

ConnectedNest, a novel digital referral platform developed by XanthosHealth, addresses the impact of non-medical factors on individuals facing cancer. Following a successful SBIR Phase I and a pilot study in collaboration with the Minnesota Cancer Alliance and 14 community-based organizations (CBOs), Phase II aims to enhance the platform's technical infrastructure, extend integration capabilities, and conduct a randomized clinical trial involving 300 adults in multi-site oncology clinics. The trial will assess ConnectedNest's efficacy in connecting individuals with community services, improving quality of life, and influencing factors such as ease of care, emergency department utilization, and patient engagement. The project aligns with public health goals by providing an innovative, cost-effective, and scalable solution to mitigate barriers in the cancer care continuum, with potential broader applications in clinical and community settings. The collaboration with the University of Minnesota underscores the project's commitment to advancing research in healthcare technology and improving outcomes for individuals facing cancer. Under Aim 1, enhancements include the development of user interfaces catering to care coordinators, community health workers, and caregivers, alongside the creation of a community advisory board portal for efficient CBO program management. Efforts include increasing access to care and expanding the survey architecture to accommodate electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePROs) and provide comprehensive data collection. Aim 2 propels the initiative into a randomized clinical trial involving 300 adults undergoing active cancer therapy or in survivorship. Patient-reported metrics will be gathered at baseline and days 30, 60, and 90, including instances of reported community needs, connections with services (primary outcome), and measures of quality of life. The trial also explores secondary outcomes like ease of care, emergency department utilization, and patient engagement, providing a holistic evaluation. This innovative solution has the potential to serve as a cost-effective and scalable model, enhancing the capacity to connect individuals with community services. Beyond oncology, the project's broader impact extends to community health settings and fosters improved outcomes for individuals facing cancer.