Pilot feasibility of a financial and health-related social needs navigation intervention (AYA-NAV) for adolescents and young adults with cancer: Study protocol for a prospective, single-arm study

Background: Adolescent and young adult (AYA: 15–39 years) cancer survivors face high financial toxicity risk. Addressing unmet health-related social needs (HRSN: financial strain, food, housing, transportation, or utility difficulties) may reduce health and financial disparities. This pilot study examines the feasibility and preliminary impact of a needs navigation intervention (AYA-NAV) for AYAs with cancer who screen positive for financial toxicity or unmet HRSN. 

Methods: This single-arm study involves 30 AYAs receiving cancer treatment at a large, diverse academic institution. After a baseline assessment to determine eligibility, those screening positive for financial toxicity or unmet HRSN will receive AYA-NAV, including resource provision and hybrid needs navigation via a referral to the Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) and a digital platform, findhelp.org. Data will be collected at baseline (preintervention), monthly check-ins (months 2–5), and 6-month follow-up (postintervention) through surveys using validated scales to measure financial toxicity, HRSN, quality of life, and implementation outcomes. Feasibility will be evaluated with predetermined acceptability measures. 

Discussion: This protocol assesses the feasibility of AYA-NAV, a hybrid needs navigation intervention for AYAs with cancer. Findings will inform future randomized studies on efficacy and impact. Additionally, this study may guide sustainable community-partnered navigation research to improve cancer care delivery and patient outcomes.