Impact of Clinical Trial Navigators on Clinical Trial Accrual through Multidisciplinary Case Conferences: A Pre- & Post-Implementation Study

Clinical trial accrual improves cancer outcomes but remains limited due to systemic barriers, with only ~3% of adult cancer patients participating. Integrating Clinical Trial Navigators (CTNs) into Multidisciplinary Case Conferences (MCCs) has demonstrated potential to enhance trial discussions, increase referrals, and streamline enrollment. This study evaluates the impact of CTNs on trial accrual, implementation effectiveness, and workflow optimization. We hypothesize that CTN integration into MCCs will increase referral and accrual rates while improving clinical trial integration efficiency. This hybrid effectiveness-implementation study focuses on breast, glioblastoma, and colorectal cancers at the Windsor Cancer Centre. Baseline referral and enrollment rates are established through observational chart reviews, while CTNs use updated Master Lists and the “Look Up Trials” app during MCCs to identify trial options. Surveys and structured interviews with MCC participants provide qualitative feedback on barriers and facilitators. Data are analyzed using descriptive statistics for quantitative measures and thematic analysis for qualitative responses. Although research ethics delays have postponed final results, anticipated outcomes from prior studies include a 25% referral rate and an 8% accrual rate among 168 patients and 60 physicians. Secondary outcomes target iterative process improvements and evaluate the app’s effectiveness in streamlining trial matching. Preliminary feedback suggests potential for enhanced physician satisfaction and optimized workflows. Integrating CTNs into MCCs shows promise in improving clinical trial referrals and accruals while reducing physician burden. Future research should explore scalability across additional cancer types and healthcare systems to further enhance clinical trial engagement and oncology care delivery.