Abstract B104: Identifying gaps in equitable cancer care: insights from US-based oncology professionals engaged in continuing medical education
Authors: Augustyniak Monica , Eldridge Karen , Gurtler Jayne , Muluneh Benyam , DePue Amy , Rodriguez-O'Donnell Julia , Atkinson Stacy , Péloquin Sophie , Murphy Ann , Lazure Patrice 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: A previous evaluation of a five-part accredited continuing medical education (CME) designed to inspire action for equitable cancer care amongst US-based multidisciplinary oncology care team members, showed significant improvements in relevant knowledge and confidence (pre to post activity). This study aimed to revisit the data collected in the scope of this project to identify remaining challenges in ensuring equitable cancer care is delivered to all patients, with underlying gaps in knowledge, confidence and attitude that may be addressed through future CME. Methods: A secondary analysis of data was performed on quantitative (case-based multiple-choice) responses collected from US-based HCPs who completed at least one of the five accredited CME activities that were part of the program titled “Addressing Racial Disparities in Cancer Care”. Questions assessed learners’ knowledge, confidence, and attitudes after exposure to the CME. Crosstabulations with chi-square statistical tests compared quantitative responses by sub-group. The analysis focused on post-CME data to identify remaining educational gaps, with the aim of informing the development of future CME programs. Results: The five-part CME education reached 1151 unique HCPs involved in cancer care, with activity participation varying between n=103 to n=433. The profession/specialty sub-group most represented in aggregated responses across the five-part CME were registered nurses specialized in hematology/oncology (n=575/1145, 50%). Across US regions, respondents were mostly located in South US (n=446/1150, 39%). A challenge in helping patients navigate socio- economic barriers to oncology care was found, with the following four related gaps affecting a portion of respondents post-CME exposure: 1) misconception that the most important determinant of treatment adherence is a patient’s perceived treatment efficacy rather than optimal patient-provider communication (n=57/400, 14%), 2) sub-optimal knowledge of the impact of a patient’s community and/or partner on influencing their treatment-seeking behavior (n=31/97, 32%), 3) sub-optimal knowledge of necessary steps to address the root cause of a patients’ missed appointments (n=36/227, 16%), 4) sub-optimal confidence in addressing a patients’ personal circumstances limiting their access to cancer-care (n=424/1151, 37%). Conclusions: This study identified remaining gaps in knowledge, confidence and attitude among US-based HCPs post-exposure to a CME activity aimed at promoting equitable cancer care. Considering these gaps were observed post-education, the actual proportion of US-based HCPs affected is likely underestimated. Future continuing learning initiatives aimed at addressing cancer care disparities in the US should consider targeting gaps identified in this study by challenging learners to re-consider their knowledge, beliefs and confidence in best approaches to navigating the socio-economic barriers hindering patients from seeking cancer care (e.g., via adaptive learning, peer-to-peer learning).

Citation Format: Monica Augustyniak, Karen Eldridge, Jayne Gurtler, Benyam Muluneh, Amy DePue, Julia Rodriguez-O'Donnell, Stacy Atkinson, Sophie Péloquin, Ann Murphy, Patrice Lazure. Identifying gaps in equitable cancer care: insights from US-based oncology professionals engaged in continuing medical education [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B104.