Abstract PO5-20-05: The FOR ME (Fostering Opportunities in Research through Messaging and Education) study: Using multiple qualitative methods to develop a culturally sensitive narrative intervention to promote equity in clinical trials
Authors: Hippalgaonkar Neha , Nguyen Ryan , Carnahan Leslie , Henderson Vida , Mersha Tigist , Cohn Eliza , Salum Kauthar , Williams Ana , Coleman Lolita , Brent Beulah , Murphy AnneMarie , Thomas Paris , Khosla Paramjeet , Hoskins Kent 
Published: May 2024

Background: Black women are more likely to present with advanced stage disease and to die following a breast cancer (BC) diagnosis compared to women from other racial/ethnic groups. In 2020, only 7.2% of enrollees in clinical trials that led to the approval of 3 novel drugs for breast cancer were Black. While there are many contributing factors to this inequity (i.e., tumor biology, social and structural health determinants, racial injustice, and differential access to and utilization of high-quality mammography, diagnostics, and therapies), persistent underrepresentation of Black patients in cancer clinical trials (CTs) slows scientific advancements.

Objective: The aim of this study is to develop, optimize, and test a narrative decision aid intervention (web-based video) for Black women diagnosed with BC to promote shared decision making and CT participation. The first aim is to conduct multiple qualitative methods with multi-level stakeholders to identify barriers, facilitators, and intervention priorities that would assist Black breast cancer patients to make informed decisions about participating in clinical trials. The second aim is to create a culturally sensitive, narrative intervention designed to support decision making and motivate Black breast cancer patients to participate in clinical trials. Aim 3 will then pilot a study to determine acceptability of the intervention among patients and assess whether it increases clinical trial participation in a safety net oncology practice.

Methods: Guided by community-based participatory research approaches, we used multiple qualitative methods (key informant interviews (KIIs) and story circles) to identify barriers and facilitators that support decision-making and CT participation. The KIIs, completed in-person, via phone, or video conferencing, were recorded and professionally transcribed. The research team used thematic analysis and inductive coding approaches. Next, interviews and focus groups will invite feedback on the educational/motivational content of the intervention and will be used to develop a culturally sensitive script and story boards. A video production company will produce the narrative intervention. Finally, focus groups and interviews with participant cohorts will provide feedback on the completed intervention. Black women diagnosed with BC will view the intervention in an oncology clinic. Using a pretest/posttest design, we will analyze the acceptability of the intervention and its effect on intention to participate in clinical trials. We will then conduct a quasi-experimental study in a safety net oncology practice to determine whether the rate of clinical trial participation among Black breast cancer patients increases following implementation of the intervention as a standard component of new patient education.

Progress: Recruitment started in July 2022 and currently 30 of 30 interviews with patients are completed, 20 of 20 interviews with clinical stakeholders (oncologists and clinical trial staff) are completed, and 14 of 20 interviews with advocates and community partners are completed. Data collection and the analysis of the interviews and story circles is ongoing.

Citation Format: Neha Hippalgaonkar, Ryan Nguyen, Leslie Carnahan, Vida Henderson, Tigist Mersha, Eliza Cohn, Kauthar Salum, Ana Williams, Lolita Coleman, Beulah Brent, AnneMarie Murphy, Paris Thomas, Paramjeet Khosla, Kent Hoskins. The FOR ME (Fostering Opportunities in Research through Messaging and Education) study: Using multiple qualitative methods to develop a culturally sensitive narrative intervention to promote equity in clinical trials [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-20-05.