Abstract A039: Translating research into practice: Results of a community-engaged, city-wide breast cancer patient navigation implementation study to reduce disparities
Authors: Battaglia Tracy A. , Freund Karen M. , Haas Jennifer S. , Lemon Stephenie C. ,   Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP) Consortium
Published: December 2023

Introduction: Delays in accessing breast cancer care contribute to poor outcomes among women of color and those underinsured. Patient navigation is one of few proven interventions that overcome inequity in cancer care delivery, yet there is a need to address barriers to widespread implementation. Methods: Led by a city-wide coalition of multi-sector stakeholders, we conducted a Type 1 hybrid clinical effectiveness-implementation trial across five hospitals in Boston to test the impact of navigation on timely initiation of breast cancer treatment, while also exploring implementation outcomes including acceptability of and fidelity to an evidence-informed 11-step navigation protocol. A randomized cluster stepped wedge study design allowed for rolling out a multi-level navigation protocol iteratively in real life practices from 2019 through 2022. Hospital cancer registries sourced eligible cancer cases, while electronic medical record abstraction documented timely treatment, defined as within 60 or 90 days depending on the diagnosis. Odds ratios adjusted for time by calendar quarter and accounted for clustering by study site. Fidelity to protocol was measured using navigator documentation of interactions with patients and conducting social needs screenings. Key informant interviews and field observations were conducted to assess acceptability. Results: A total of 1,732 women with newly diagnosed breast cancer were included in the intent to treat analysis (553 historical control period, 1,179 intervention period). By study design, the majority of women were nonwhite (80%) and more than half were non-English speaking and on public health insurance. During the intervention period, 50% (n=587) had no documented evidence of receiving any contact from a navigator, 15% (n=181) had only one documented interaction with the navigator while 35% (n=407) were navigated and received social needs screens in accordance with study protocol. Compared with historical controls, navigated patients who received a social needs screen had twice the odds of receiving timely treatment (aOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.39, 3.06), those who had only one documented interaction with the navigator had 1.4 greater odds of timely treatment (aOR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08, 1.93) and those with no documented evidence of navigation were no more likely to receive timely treatment (aOR 1.42, 95% CI 0.81, 2.48. We found variability in how navigators identified patients, with significant disruption during the COVID pandemic. Navigators found navigation protocols and social needs screening acceptable, and patients reported feeling supported when asked about social needs. The study protocol formalized the navigation process within and across hospitals, yet tension for change in existing workflows and complexity in documentation served as barriers to adoption. Conclusions: Receipt of navigation is associated with more timely care among a diverse group of women at risk for poor outcomes. Despite stakeholder engagement, implementation of evidence-based breast cancer patient navigation remains suboptimal.

Citation Format: Tracy A. Battaglia, Karen M. Freund, Jennifer S. Haas, Stephenie C. Lemon, Translating Research Into Practice (TRIP) Consortium. Translating research into practice: Results of a community-engaged, city-wide breast cancer patient navigation implementation study to reduce disparities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 16th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2023 Sep 29-Oct 2;Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2023;32(12 Suppl):Abstract nr A039.