Back to search results

ENRICH-HNC: Community Health Support for Head and Neck Cancer Patients

This study, called ENRICH-HNC, is looking at a new way to help people diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC) after visiting the emergency department (ED). Often, these patients face delays in getting a diagnosis and starting treatment, which can lead to worse health outcomes. This study will test if having a Community Health Support Specialist (CHSS) can help you get timely care. These specialists are part of the Engaging Navigators to Reduce Inequities in Cancer Health (ENRICH) program and will guide you through the process from the ED to treatment. The study aims to see if this support can reduce the time it takes to get a diagnostic biopsy and start treatment, with measurements taken up to 90 days after you leave the ED. You may be able to join if you are 18 or older, present to the ED with new or suspected HNC, and live in the local area. The study plans to enroll 24 people, but its current status is unclear.

Study design
This is a single-arm pilot study, meaning all 24 participants will receive the Community Health Support Specialist (CHSS) Navigation. It's designed to evaluate the feasibility and early impact of this support.
What's involved
Not specified in the trial record.
Compensation
Not stated in the trial record.
Follow-up
Your time to diagnostic biopsy and treatment initiation will be measured for up to 90 days after you leave the emergency department.

AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.

NCT07225725

Access to Care Pilot for ED-Presenting Head and Neck Cancer Patients (ENRICH-HNC)

Not Yet Recruiting
NAAges 18+InterventionalHealth services
University of Tennessee
~24 participants
Updated 2026-01-22 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Community Health Support Specialist (CHSS) Navigation

At a glance

Recruiting sites
0 of 2 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Time From Emergency Department (ED) Presentation to Diagnostic Biopsy (Days)
Measured over Up to 90 days after ED discharge
+1 more outcome measured

Conditions

Head and Neck Neoplasms
Emergency Department Presentation
Head and Neck Cancer (H&N)

Explore related trials

Malignant Head and Neck Neoplasm

Where it's being run

2 sites across 2 states
Florida1
Tennessee1

Study leadership

  • David Schwartz, MD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · University of Tennessee

Who to contact

Justin M Soffer, MD
[email protected]
321-287-7574
Email the study team

Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.

Do you actually qualify for this trial?

Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.

Check eligibility for this trial ~2 min · HIPAA-protected · delete anytime
Eligibility criteria

Inclusion

Age 18 years or older
Presentation to the emergency department (ED) with a new or suspected head and neck cancer (including oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, salivary gland, cutaneous, sinonasal, nasopharyngeal, thyroid, or metastatic disease with unknown primary)
Residence within the regional catchment area of participating UTHSC-affiliated hospitals (Methodist University Hospital or Regional One Health)
Ability to provide informed consent electronically using REDCap eConsent after ED discharge
Has a valid telephone number for post-discharge contact

Exclusion

Prior or ongoing established head and neck oncology care at the time of ED presentation
Currently receiving hospice or palliative-only care
Incarcerated individuals
Inability to complete electronic informed consent (e.g., lack of decisional capacity or inability to complete consent even with staff assistance)
Lacks reliable telephone access or is unable to be reached after three documented contact attempts by study staff
Non-English or non-Spanish speaking when interpreter services are unavailable
Expected survival less than four weeks, as determined by the treating clinical team

What this trial measures

  • Time From Emergency Department (ED) Presentation to Diagnostic Biopsy (Days)Up to 90 days after ED discharge

    Interval (days) between the date of ED discharge from the index visit and the date of the first diagnostic biopsy procedure performed to evaluate suspected head and neck cancer.

  • Time From Emergency Department (ED) Presentation to Treatment Initiation (Days)Up to 90 days after ED discharge

    Interval (days) between the date of ED discharge from the index visit and the start date of definitive treatment (surgery, radiation, systemic therapy, or combined modality) for head and neck cancer.