Evaluation and Assessment of the ABATE Framework to Enhance Implicit Bias Training for Virtual Interviews in Medical Schools.

Introduction: The influence of implicit biases in virtual interviews must be addressed to ensure equity within the admissions process. ABATE is a mnemonic framework of five specific categories of implicit bias (affinity-based, backdrop-based, appearance-based, technology and media-based, and enunciation-based biases) that should be anticipated and mitigated for faculty, staff, health professionals, and medical students who conduct virtual interviews at medical schools. Methods: A 60-minute workshop was developed to educate medical school admissions interviewers about the ABATE model and strategies to mitigate implicit bias during virtual interviews. Four workshops were held over 1 year totaling 217 individual attendees. The workshops were evaluated using a single-group, pre-post questionnaire designed with the Kirkpatrick evaluation model. Results: Attendees reported that they found the ABATE workshop useful and relevant to improving their ability to minimize implicit bias during virtual interviews. Significant improvements were found in attendee reactions to the utility of implicit bias training (M pre = 2.6, M post = 3.1, p = .002). Significant changes were also reported in attendees' attitudes about interviewing confidence (M pre = 3.0, M post = 3.2, p = .04), bias awareness (M pre = 3.0, M post = 3.4, p = .002), and identifying and applying bias mitigation solutions (M pre = 2.5, M post = 3.0, p = .003). Knowledge specific to backdrop-based biases also significantly increased (M pre = 3.2, M post = 3.4, p = .04). Discussion: The ABATE workshop demonstrates promise in mitigating implicit bias in virtual medical school interviews.

Salivary, lacrimal and nasal (SALANS) measure to assess side effects following radioactive iodine treatment: development, psychometric properties, and factor structure.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop and psychometrically evaluate a patient-reported outcome measure (PROM), SAlivary, LAcrimal, NaSal (SALANS), to document patients' symptoms after radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). METHODS: We generated and iteratively revised SALANS items based on expert input, focus group discussions and feedback from cognitive testing (n = 17). We administered an initial SALANS measure with 39 items to patients diagnosed with DTC in the past two years (n = 105). Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) examined the factor structure of the SALANS items. We assessed the consistency reliability and related the total and subscale scores of the final SALANS to existing PROMs to assess validity. RESULTS: The final SALANS consisted of 33 items and six subscales (sialadenitis, taste, xerostomia, dry eyes, epiphora, and nasal) with six factors extracted by EFA. The six subscales demonstrated good internal reliability (α range = 0.87-0.92). The SALANS total score showed good convergent validity with the Xerostomia Inventory (r = 0.86) and good discriminant validity with a measure of spirituality (r = - 0.05). The mean SALANS total score was significantly higher (d = 0.5, p < 0.04) among patients who had RAI compared to those who did not have RAI. CONCLUSION: Preliminary evidence suggests that SALANS is a novel and reliable PROM to assess the type and frequency all symptoms experienced after RAI treatment for DTC. Future work is needed to further validate and develop the scale.

Demographic and Clinical Factors Associated With Health-Related Quality-of-Life Profiles Among Prostate Cancer Survivors.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to describe the prevalence and predictors of symptom and function clusters related to physical, emotional, and social components of general health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in a population-based sample of prostate cancer (PCa) survivors. METHODS: Participants (N = 1,162) completed a baseline survey at a median of 9 months after diagnosis to ascertain the co-occurrence of eight symptom and functional domains that are common across all cancers and not treatment-specific. We used latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify subgroup profiles of survivors with low, moderate, or high HRQOL levels. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify clinical and sociodemographic factors associated with survivors' membership in the low versus moderate or high HRQOL profile. RESULTS: The LPA identified 16% of survivors who were categorized in the low HRQOL profile at baseline, indicative of the highest symptom burden and lowest functioning. Factors related to survivors' membership in the low versus higher HRQOL profile groups included less than age 65 years at diagnosis, identifying as non-Hispanic Black race, not working, being a former versus never smoker, systemic therapy, less companionship, more comorbidities, lower health care financial well-being, or less spirituality. Several factors remained associated with remaining in the low versus higher HRQOL profiles on the follow-up survey (n = 699), including younger age, Black race, comorbidity, and lower financial and spiritual well-being. CONCLUSION: About one of six PCa survivors experienced elevated physical and psychosocial symptoms that were independent of local curative therapy, but with younger age, race, comorbidity, and lower financial and spiritual well-being as stable risk factors for poor HRQOL over time.

Cultural and linguistic adaptation of a telephone-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention to treat depression and anxiety in Hispanic cancer survivors.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to transcreate a manualized cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) intervention to address depression and anxiety among Hispanic cancer survivors. DESIGN/RESEARCH APPROACH: Stakeholders reviewed the CBT workbook for language, content, and cultural relevance. We designed semi-structured interview guides to elicit intervention feedback. SAMPLE/PARTICIPANTS: Stakeholder participants were Hispanic cancer survivors (n = 4), bilingual mental health providers (n = 2), and oncology professionals (n = 4). METHODS: Transcreation was conducted by initial translation of the workbook followed by incorporation of stakeholder feedback. A bilingual (Spanish and English) interviewer conducted stakeholder interviews. The study team discussed themes/suggestions before refining the workbook. FINDINGS: Stakeholders reported enthusiasm for the intervention. We gathered significant feedback regarding wording, images, and resources for the workbook. CONCLUSION: Development of culturally appropriate mental health resources for Hispanic cancer survivors is critical. IMPLICATIONS FOR PSYCHOSOCIAL PROVIDERS OR POLICY: By broadening research on psychosocial care to the Hispanic population, we increase the reach of evidence-based psychological care. Future research should fully evaluate the adapted CBT intervention among Hispanic survivors.

Relationship between area-level socioeconomic status and health-related quality of life among cancer survivors.

Area-level socioeconomic status (SES) impacts cancer outcomes, such as stage at diagnosis, treatments received, and mortality. However, less is known about the relationship between area-level SES and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) for cancer survivors. To assess the additive value of area-level SES data and the relative contribution of area- and individual-level SES for estimating cancer survivors' HRQOL, we conducted a secondary analysis of data from a population-based survey study of cancer survivors (the Measuring Your Health [MY-Health] Study). Multilevel multinomial logistic regression models were used to examine the relationships between individual-level SES, area-level SES as measured by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Social Vulnerability Index, and HRQOL group membership (high, average, low, or very low HRQOL). Area-level SES did not significantly increase model estimation accuracy compared to models using only individual-level SES. However, area-level SES could be an appropriate proxy when the individual-level SES is missing.

Community Engagement in Behavioral Medicine: A Scoping Review.

BACKGROUND: Behavioral medicine has made key contributions toward improving health outcomes. Engaging community partners in research is critical to addressing persistent health inequities. The aim of this scoping review was to explore how researchers engaged community partners within the field of behavioral medicine research from 2005 to 2023. METHOD: Publication databases and gray literature were searched for research that engaged community partners to address questions relevant to behavioral medicine. Articles were screened by title and abstract, and then by full text. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were coded using the framework provided by the Engagement Navigator to identify engagement approaches, methods, and tools and when they were used during the research. RESULTS: Of 1486 articles initially identified, 58 met the inclusion criteria. Most articles used well-known approaches (e.g., community-based participatory research; 67%), methods (e.g., advisory committees; 59%), and tools (e.g., interviews; 41%), and engaged with healthcare service providers (62%) and/or patients (53%). Community partners were most often included in research planning and design (79%), and less often in dissemination (45%). CONCLUSION: Community engagement has considerable potential to address health inequities. Our assessment of the approaches, methods, and tools used by behavioral medicine researchers to engage with a diverse range of community partners points toward promising strategies for enhancing the impact of community engagement. Researchers should incorporate explicit descriptions of community engagement strategies in publications, an outcome that could be facilitated by clear publishing guidelines, structured reporting tools, and clear messaging from funders about the value of community engagement in behavioral medicine research.

Greater Social Isolation and Social Constraints Prior to Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Are Associated with Greater Anxiety and Depressive Symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (hereafter "HCT") is a physically and psychologically difficult treatment for patients with hematological cancers. This study examined relationships among patients' reports of pre-transplant social isolation, social constraints, and psychological distress. METHOD: We used baseline data from a multisite randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of expressive helping writing to reduce physical and emotional symptoms in HCT patients. We collected data prior to randomization and before either allogenic or autologous HCT using validated scales to assess social constraints, social isolation, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. We analyzed data using bivariate analysis and multivariate linear regression. We also explored whether social isolation mediated the effect of social constraints on both of our outcomes: anxiety and depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Among 259 adults recruited prior to transplant, 43.6% were women (mean age = 57.42 years, SD = 12.34 years). In multivariate analysis controlling for relevant covariates, both social isolation (ß = 0.24, p < 0.001) and social constraints (ß = 0.28, p < 0.001) were associated with anxiety. When both social constraints and social isolation were in the model, only greater social isolation (ß = 0.79, p < 0.001) was associated with depressive symptoms. Social isolation fully mediated the association between social constraints and anxiety and depressive symptoms. CONCLUSION: For patients awaiting either allogenic or autologous HCT, the negative association between social constraints and anxiety and depressive symptoms may be related, in part, to the mechanism of perceived social isolation. Interventions prior to and during HCT are needed to support patients' psychological health and sense of social connectedness.

An exploration of facilitators and barriers to patient navigator core functions with breast cancer patients: Implications for the development of a human-centered mHealth app.

Objectives: To understand the barriers to core functions and workflow among patient navigators (PN) who navigate people diagnosed with breast cancer (BC). To identify how a mobile health (mHealth) app could assist PNs in providing care to BC patients. Methods: This qualitative research study used purposive sampling to recruit stakeholders (N = 33) from January to August 2021. We conducted individual semi-structured interviews with PNs (n = 11), oncology care providers (n = 12), and BC patients (n = 10). We used conventional content analysis to analyze the interview data. Results: Participants identified the following sociotechnical systems barriers in PN workflows that negatively impact BC patient care: 1) resources, 2) insurance coverage, 3) communication challenges, and 4) impact of logistical tasks. Participants identified the user experience, app features, and interoperability customizations to enhance PNs' provision of patient care as important design elements to include in a mHealth app. Conclusion: Feedback from stakeholders provided valuable insights into key design considerations, functions, and content areas for developing a mHealth app for PN use in BC care delivery. Innovation: This is one of the first studies to incorporate the human-centered design and sociotechnical systems frameworks to understand barriers to PN workflow and provision of BC patient care across the cancer care continuum.

Advancing health equity: A qualitative study assessing barriers and facilitators of implementing hereditary breast and ovarian cancer risk screening tools in community-based organizations.

Genetic counseling and testing (GCT) inform cancer management for persons at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). Community-based organizations (CBOs) may play a role in identifying at-risk Latinx individuals to connect them to GCT but data are lacking. Two academic centers and their four CBO partners planned to implement a validated questionnaire for HBOC risk screening ("HBOC risk screening tool"). This study aimed to assess CBO's preferences for HBOC risk screening tools, as well as the barriers and facilitators anticipated for future implementation. Pre-implementation focus groups were conducted with CBO's staff. Discussions centered on current practices to identify and refer at-risk patients. During the discussion, staff were asked to select one out of five validated HBOC risk screening tools to implement and to discuss anticipated barriers/facilitators for implementation. The four focus groups were coded and qualitative analyzed following the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) and Health Equity domains. All CBOs chose the Family History Screen 7 (FHS-7). Participants (N = 35) highlighted how the FHS-7 was easy to adapt to better fit the target population and changing guidelines. They had positive attitudes toward implementing the screening tool, stressed how the culture of the organization positioned them to reach the target population, and noted barriers in different CFIR domains (e.g., low knowledge about HBOC and GCT referrals; scarce available resources). Participants pointed to barriers related to health equity domains including limited access to GCT and follow-up care for uninsured and underinsured populations, challenges obtaining accurate family history, and immigration-related barriers. CBOs highlighted the importance of partnering with other stakeholders to overcome barriers. Findings emphasize the need to develop multi-level implementation strategies to overcome barriers and leverage facilitators. This study can inform the development of implementation toolkits for CBOs to implement HBOC screening tools to advance health equity.

Confidence, Connection & Collaboration: Creating a Scalable Bias Reduction Improvement Coaching Train-the-Trainer Program to Mitigate Implicit Bias across a Medical Center.

Problem: Academic medical centers need to mitigate the negative effects of implicit bias with approaches that are empirically-based, scalable, sustainable, and specific to departmental needs. Guided by Kotter's Model of Change to create and sustain cultural change, we developed the Bias Reduction Improvement Coaching Program (BRIC), a two-year, train-the-trainer implicit bias coaching program designed to meet the increasing demand for bias training across a university medical center. Intervention: BRIC trained a cohort of faculty and staff as coaches during four quarterly training sessions in Year 1 that covered 1) the science of bias, 2) bias in selection and hiring, 3) bias in mentoring, and 4) bias in promotion, retention, and workplace culture. In Year 2, coaches attended two booster sessions and delivered at least two presentations. BRIC raises awareness of bias mitigation strategies in a scalable way by uniquely building capacity through department-level champions, providing programming that addresses the 'local context,' and setting a foundation for sustained institutional change. Context: In a U.S. academic medical center, 27 faculty and staff from 24 departments were trained as inaugural BRIC coaches. We assessed outcomes at multiple levels: BRIC coach outcomes (feedback on the training sessions; coach knowledge, attitudes, and skills), departmental-level outcomes (program attendee feedback, knowledge, and intentions) and institutional outcomes (activities to sustain change). Impact: After Year 1, coaches reported high satisfaction with BRIC and a statistically significant increase in self-efficacy in their abilities to recognize, mitigate, and teach about implicit bias. In Year 2, attendees at BRIC coach presentations reported an increase in bias mitigation knowledge, and the majority committed to taking follow-up action (e.g., taking an Implicit Association Test). Coaches also launched activities for sustaining change at the broader university and beyond. Lessons Learned: The BRIC Program indicates a high level of interest in receiving bias mitigation training, both among individuals who applied to be BRIC coaches and among presentation attendees. BRIC's initial success supports future expansion. The model appears scalable and sustainable; future efforts will formalize the emerging community of practice around bias mitigation and measure elements of on-going institutional culture change.

Cultural adaptations to a telephone genetic counseling protocol and booklet for Latina breast cancer survivors at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer.

Telephone genetic counseling (TGC) is accepted as standard clinical care for people seeking hereditary cancer risk assessment. TGC has been shown to be non-inferior to in-person genetic counseling, but trials have been conducted with a predominantly highly educated, non-Hispanic White population. This article describes the process of culturally adapting a TGC protocol and visual aid booklet for Spanish-preferring Latina breast cancer survivors at risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. The adaptation process included two phases. Phase 1 involved a review of the literature and recommendations from an expert team including community partners. Phase 2 included interviews and a pilot with the target population (n = 14) to collect feedback about the adapted protocol and booklet following steps from the Learner Verification and Revision Framework. We describe the adaptation process and report the main adaptations following the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Interventions (FRAME). Adaptations in Phase 1 were responsive to the target population needs and characteristics (e.g., delivered in Spanish at an appropriate health literacy level, addressing knowledge gaps, targeting cultural values). Phase 2 interviews were crucial to refine details (e.g., selecting words) and to add components to address GCT barriers (e.g., saliva sample video). Cultural adaptations to evidence-based TGC protocols can increase the fit and quality of care for historically underserved populations. As TGC visits become routine in clinical care, it is crucial to consider the needs of diverse communities to adequately promote equity and justice in cancer care.

This article describes the process of adapting a telephone genetic counseling protocol and visual aid booklet for Spanish-preferring Latina breast cancer survivors at increased risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC). The cultural adaptation process followed two phases. In the first phase, the authors reviewed the literature and obtained insights from interdisciplinary experts. In the second phase, the authors received iterative feedback from fourteen Latina women who were breast cancer survivors, spoke Spanish as a first language, and met criteria to be considered at increased risk for HBOC. Revisions to the protocol and visual aid booklet were conducted iteratively following feedback from the expert team, after the first five women reviewed the booklet, after the second five women reviewed the booklet, and after the final four women completed the entire culturally adapted telephone genetic counseling protocol with the booklet. The final adaptations to the protocol and visual aid booklet were responsive to the target population's needs. Most adaptations made were regarding content. For example, simplifying the material presented, adding culturally relevant images, and developing a video explaining how to collect a saliva sample. Culturally adapting health interventions can improve health outcomes in historically marginalized populations and promote equity.

Stem Cell Transplant Experiences Among Hispanic/Latinx Patients: A Qualitative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Hispanic/Latinx (H/L) patients with cancer treated with stem cell transplant are vulnerable to adverse outcomes, including higher mortality. This study explored their unmet transplant needs, barriers, and facilitators. METHODS: Eighteen English- or Spanish-speaking H/L patients (M age = 59.2) who had a transplant in the past year were interviewed about their transplant experience and rated their interest in receiving information about transplant topics (0 = not at all to 10 = extremely). RESULTS: Content analysis revealed five main themes: (1) pre-transplant barriers and concerns; (2) complex relationships with medical teams; (3) informational mismatch; (4) impacts on daily life after transplant; and (5) methods of coping. Participants were most interested in information about ways of coping with transplant (M = 9.11, SD = 1.45) and words of hope and encouragement (M = 9.05, SD = 1.80). At just above the scale's midpoint, they were least interested in information about side effects and unintended consequences of transplant (M = 5.61, SD = 3.85). CONCLUSIONS: Cultural factors, social determinants, and structural inequalities give rise to unique needs in this growing patient population. Healthcare team members and researchers can better meet the needs of H/L transplant recipients through attention to described considerations, such as financial barriers, communication difficulties, family dynamics, and coping styles.

Health-related quality of life by race, ethnicity, and country of origin among cancer survivors.

BACKGROUND: Typical cancer research studies of health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the United States do not include country of origin when examining race and ethnic group differences. This population-based, cross-sectional study used an innovative methodology to examine how self-reported racial and ethnic groups, by country of origin, report differential HRQOL experiences after adjusting for clinical and demographic characteristics, including socioeconomic status. METHODS: Recruited from 4 cancer registries in California, Louisiana, and New Jersey, cancer survivors completed Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System measures of fatigue, pain interference, anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, physical function, ability to participate in social roles, and cognitive function. Latent profile analysis clustered survivors in HRQOL clusters based on including all the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System domains. RESULTS: The 5366 participants (60% female; 40% male; average age of 59.8 years) included 17% Asian, 18% Black, 21% Hispanic, and 41% White survivors. Survivors were grouped into 4 clusters: high HRQOL (26%), average HRQOL (34%), low HRQOL (29%), and very low HRQOL (11%). Among many differences by race, ethnicity, and country of origin, Caribbean cancer survivors were more likely to be in the very low HRQOL cluster (odds ratio = 2.67, 95% confidence interval = 1.31 to 5.43) compared with non-Hispanic White survivors. Similarly, American Indian and Alaska Native, Cuban, Dominican, and Puerto Rican cancer survivors had relatively high percentages in the very low HRQOL cluster. CONCLUSIONS: This study found statistically significant differences in HRQOL experience by race, ethnicity, and country of origin, even after adjusting for social determinants of health. These findings inform future HRQOL research to include these self-reported factors.

Stigma, social support, and spirituality: associations with symptoms among Black, Latina, and Chinese American cervical cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Few studies have examined experiences of stigma and factors associated with symptoms among cervical cancer survivors from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. We investigated survivorship experiences and patient-reported outcomes in the SPADE symptom cluster (sleep disturbance, pain interference, anxiety, depression, and energy/fatigue) among Black, Latina, and Chinese American women diagnosed with cervical cancer. METHODS: In two phases of research with cervical cancer survivors, we collected qualitative data through individual interviews (N=12; recruited through community referrals) and quantitative data from an observational cohort study (N=91; recruited through 4 national cancer registries). We coded interview transcripts to describe the survivors' experiences. We then evaluated associations between social support, spirituality, and SPADE symptom cluster domains using linear regression models. RESULTS: Qualitative analysis yielded four themes: perceptions of stigma, empowerment, physical and psychological effects, and social support. These concepts revolved around internal and external stigmas, emotional responses, strengthened faith, and different social support types. Quantitative analyses indicated that greater spirituality was associated with lower symptom burden on all five SPADE domains (p<0.01). We observed nuanced associations between specific types of social support and SPADE domains. CONCLUSIONS: The survivorship experiences of Black, Latina, and Chinese American women with cervical cancer are negatively influenced by perceptions of stigma. Higher scores on spirituality and varied types of social support were significantly associated with fewer symptoms in the SPADE symptom cluster. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Results suggest targets for future interventions to reduce symptom burden among women diagnosed with cervical cancer by leveraging spirituality and social support.

Effectiveness of Recruitment Strategies of Latino Smokers: Secondary Analysis of a Mobile Health Smoking Cessation Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Latinos remain disproportionately underrepresented in clinical trials, comprising only 2%-3% of research participants. In order to address health disparities, it is critically important to increase enrollment of Latino smokers in smoking cessation trials. There is limited research examining effective recruitment strategies for this population. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of direct versus mass and high- versus low-effort recruitment strategies on recruitment and retention of Latino smokers to a randomized smoking cessation trial. We also examine how the type of recruitment might have influenced the characteristics of enrolled participants. METHODS: Latino smokers were enrolled into Decídetexto from 4 states-New Jersey, Kansas, Missouri, and New York. Participants were recruited from August 2018 until March 2021. Mass recruitment strategies included English and Spanish advertisements to the Latino community via flyers, Facebook ads, newspapers, television, radio, church bulletins, and our Decídetexto website. Direct, high-effort strategies included referrals from clinics or community-based organizations with whom we partnered, in-person community outreach, and patient registry calls. Direct, low-effort strategies included texting or emailing pre-existing lists of patients who smoked. A team of trained bilingual (English and Spanish) recruiters from 9 different Spanish-speaking countries of origin conducted recruitment, assessed eligibility, and enrolled participants into the trial. RESULTS: Of 1112 individuals who were screened, 895 (80.5%) met eligibility criteria, and 457 (457/895, 51.1%) enrolled in the trial. Within the pool of screened individuals, those recruited by low-effort recruitment strategies (both mass and direct) were significantly more likely to be eligible (odds ratio [OR] 1.67, 95% CI 1.01-2.76 and OR 1.70, 95% CI 0.98-2.96, respectively) and enrolled in the trial (OR 2.60, 95% CI 1.81-3.73 and OR 3.02, 95% CI 2.03-4.51, respectively) compared with those enrolled by direct, high-effort strategies. Among participants enrolled, the retention rates at 3 months and 6 months among participants recruited via low-effort strategies (both mass and direct) were similar to participants recruited via direct, high-effort methods. Compared with enrolled participants recruited via direct (high- and low-effort) strategies, participants recruited via mass strategies were less likely to have health insurance (44.0% vs 71.2% and 71.7%, respectively; P<.001), lived fewer years in the United States (22.4 years vs 32.4 years and 30.3 years, respectively; P<.001), more likely to be 1st generation (92.7% vs 76.5% and 77.5%, respectively; P=.007), more likely to primarily speak Spanish (89.3% vs 65.8% and 66.3%, respectively), and more likely to be at high risk for alcohol abuse (5.8 mean score vs 3.8 mean score and 3.9 mean score, respectively; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: Although most participants were recruited via direct, high-effort strategies, direct low-effort recruitment strategies yielded a screening pool more likely to be eligible for the trial. Mass recruitment strategies were associated with fewer acculturated enrollees with lower access to health services-groups who might benefit a great deal from the intervention. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03586596; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03586596. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID): RR2-DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2020.106188.

Optimizing use of written peer support as a supportive resource in cancer: Focus group insights.

PURPOSE: Cancer survivors frequently describe wanting to learn from others who have had similar diagnoses or treatments (peer support). We conducted focus groups to investigate hematopoietic stem cell transplant survivors' attitudes and preferences regarding accessing written peer support through a website. Although written peer support does not allow for interpersonal interactions with peers, it could increase transplant recipients' access to evidence-based benefits of informational and emotional peer support. METHODS: We conducted four videoconference focus groups with 34 adult transplant survivors who were diverse in their medical and sociodemographic characteristics and geographic location. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, and content analyzed. RESULTS: Many participants reported need for information about transplant beyond what they received from their healthcare providers. Needs varied across participants, as did preferences for characteristics and timing of information optimally provided through peer support. Participants were enthusiastic about the value of written peer support but emphasized that it should be delivered in a way that accommodates variation in transplant experiences, underscores its trustworthiness, and pairs it with useful psychoeducational content. CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide guidance for making written peer support an accessible, supportive resource for transplant survivors. Future research should evaluate personalized online delivery of written peer support paired with psychoeducational content that enhances its benefits. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Written peer support delivered online could be a useful, valued resource for transplant survivors.

Association between aspects of social support and health-related quality of life domains among African American and White breast cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Social support is associated with breast cancer survivors' health-related quality of life (HRQoL). More nuanced information is needed regarding aspects of social support associated with different HRQoL domains among diverse populations. We assessed the association between emotional/informational and tangible support and five HRQoL domains and evaluated race as an effect modifier. METHODS: African American and White women (n = 545) diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer completed a survey that assessed sociodemographic, clinical, and psychosocial factors. We assessed bivariate relationships between emotional/informational and tangible support along with overall HRQoL and each HRQoL domain.We tested interactions between race and emotional/informational and tangible social support using linear regression. RESULTS: The sample included African American (29%) and White (71%) breast cancer survivors. Emotional/informational social support had a statistically significant positive association with emotional well-being (ß = .08, p = 0.005), social well-being (ß = 0.36, p < 0.001), functional well-being (ß = .22, p < .001), breast cancer concerns (ß = .16, p = 0.002), and overall HRQoL (ß = .83, p < .001). Similarly, tangible social support had a statistically significant positive association with emotional well-being (ß = .14, p = 0.004), social well-being (ß = .51, p < .001), functional well-being (ß = .39, p < .001), and overall HRQoL (ß = 1.27, p < .001). The interactions between race and social support were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Results underscore the importance of the different social support types among breast cancer survivors, regardless of survivors' race. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Population-based interventions can be standardized and disseminated to provide guidance on how to increase emotional/information and tangible support for all breast cancer survivors by caregivers, health providers, and communities.

Development and pilot testing of a training for bilingual community education professionals about hereditary breast and ovarian cancer among Latinas: ÁRBOLES Familiares.

Cancer health disparities remain a significant problem in the USA, compounded by lack of access to care, language barriers and systemic biases in health care. These disparities are particularly evident in areas such as genetics/genomics. For example, Latinas at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) have extremely low rates of genetic counseling/testing. Long-standing barriers and inequities in access to services such as genetic counseling and testing require innovative solutions. One solution can involve training community outreach and education professionals (CORE-Ps) to bridge the gap between underserved communities and genetic specialists. We sought to develop and pilot test a training program for English-Spanish bilingual CORE-Ps to reduce disparities in access to and uptake of genetic services among Latino populations. Guided by Adult Learning Theory and with input from multiple stakeholders, we developed ÁRBOLES Familiares (Family Trees), an in-person and online training program for bilingual CORE-Ps to facilitate identification, referral, and navigation of Latinas to genetic counseling/testing. We conducted a pilot test of 24 CORE-Ps recruited from across the United States and assessed knowledge, genetic literacy, and self-efficacy at baseline and follow-up. At follow-up, participants in the pilot with complete baseline and follow-up data (N = 15) demonstrated significant improvements in HBOC knowledge, genetic literacy, self-efficacy and reports of fewer barriers to identify/navigate Latinas (ps < .05). Qualitative assessment identified ways to improve the training curriculum. Pilot results suggest ÁRBOLES is a promising approach for training CORE-Ps to identify and refer high-risk Latinas to genetic services. Next steps involve further refinement of ÁRBOLES, development of an online toolkit, and adaptation for virtual delivery.

Latinas at high risk for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) have low rates of genetic counseling and testing. Latinas may not have ready access to services like genetic counseling and testing, which need special solutions. One solution can involve training community health workers to bridge the gap between Latinas and genetic specialists. We developed an online and in person training program (ÁRBOLES Familiares or Family Trees) for English-Spanish bilingual community health workers that teaches them how to help Latinas get access to genetic services. We tested this program with a small group of community health workers. After the program, their HBOC knowledge, genetic literacy, and confidence to help Latinas get access to genetic services had improved. Trainees also made suggestions to improve the program, which will be used to help future trainees expand their knowledge and skills to work with Latinas at risk of HBOC.

Build & Belong: A Peer-Based Intervention to Reduce Medical Student Social Isolation.

PROBLEM: Medical school can be a socially isolating experience, particularly for students underrepresented in medicine. Social isolation and perceptions of not belonging can negatively impact students' academic performance and well-being. Therefore, interventions are needed to support students and these efforts should be appealing, brief, and low-burden. INTERVENTION: Guided by evidence-based approaches, we developed the Build & Belong intervention for medical students as a brief peer-to-peer approach that consisted of four components. First, M3 and M4 students wrote reflections on belonging in medical school. Second, M3 and M4 students video recorded messages for M1 and M2 students using their written reflections. Third, M1 and M2 students watched and discussed the videos in small groups. Fourth, the M1 and M2 students wrote letters to future students. Our intervention differs from previous student belonging interventions in the peer delivery of messages. CONTEXT: The Build & Belong intervention aimed to improve medical students' social belongingness. Using a longitudinal observational study design, the intervention was piloted at a medical school in the Mid-Atlantic United States in 2017-2018. Students completed surveys before and after the intervention. Paired samples tests (t-tests and Wilcoxon) assessed pre- to post-intervention changes in social isolation, social connectedness, and social assurance. IMPACT: Among 63 medical students, with 25.9% from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine, we assessed follow-up outcomes in 38 students. Social isolation scores significantly decreased from baseline (M = 54.8, SD = 7.06) to follow-up (M = 51.3, SD = 6.67; p < .001). Social isolation changes were evident regardless of sex, although males reported a greater reduction (M Δ = -5.32, p < .001) than females (M Δ = -2.79, p = .014). Black/African American students had the largest reduction in social isolation (M Δ = -7.24, p = .010). Social assurance and connectedness scores did not change significantly between baseline and follow-up. Medical students appeared to resonate with messages delivered by more experienced peers (M3s and M4s), particularly messages that normalized feelings of not belonging and strategies to reduce those feelings. LESSONS LEARNED: The Build & Belong intervention appears to reduce social isolation scores among medical students. This pilot test of the Build & Belong intervention provides initial evidence of the effectiveness of a brief, low-cost intervention. Build & Belong may provide a scalable strategy to reduce medical students' social isolation. Our peer-based approach is distinct from administrator-led strategies; peers were seen as trusted and reliable sources of information about belonging and ways to overcome the challenges experienced during medical school.

The prevalence and risk of symptom and function clusters in colorectal cancer survivors.

PURPOSE: Our purpose was to describe the prevalence and predictors of symptom and function clusters in a diverse cohort of colorectal cancer survivors. METHODS: We used data from a cohort of 909 adult colorectal cancer survivors. Participants were surveyed at a median of 9 months after diagnosis to ascertain the co-occurrence of eight distinct symptom and functional domains. We used factor analysis to identify co-occurring domains and latent profile analysis (LPA) to identify subgroups of survivors with different symptom and function clusters. Multinomial logistic regression models were used to identify risk/protective factors. RESULTS: Factor analysis demonstrated a single underlying factor structure that included all eight health domains with depression and anxiety highly correlated (r = 0.87). The LPA identified three symptom and function clusters, with 30% of survivors in the low health-related quality of life (HRQOL) profile having the highest symptom burden and lowest functioning. In multivariable models, survivors more likely to be in the low HRQOL profile included being non-White, female, those with a history of cardiac or mental health conditions, and chemotherapy recipients. Survivors less likely to be in the low HRQOL profile included those with older age, greater financial well-being, and more spirituality. CONCLUSION: Nearly one-third of colorectal cancer survivors experienced a cluster of physical and psychosocial symptoms that co-occur with clinically relevant deficits in function. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Improving the identification of risk factors for having the highest symptom and lowest function profile can inform the development of clinical interventions to mitigate their adverse impact on cancer survivors' HRQOL.