Abstract A8: Increasing knowledge of cancer clinical trials among Hispanic cancer patients and caregivers
Authors: Quinn Gwendolyn P. , Vadaparampil Susan T. , Gwede Clement K. , Meade Cathy D. , Antonia Teresita M. , Wells Kristin 
Published: December 2010

Clinical trials hold great promise for cancer treatment; yet cancer patients, particularly minorities have low rates of clinical trial (CT) participation.1 Several pilot studies have shown this difference may in part be explained by a lack of awareness and knowledge about clinical trials among patients.2-4 Racial and ethnic minority populations have been shown to have additional and unique barriers to cancer care services and clinical trials. Knowledge and language barriers are particularly prevalent among Hispanic populations with limited or no English proficiency.5-7 Recent research has focused on patient education as a way to increase knowledge of the research process and promote positive attitudes towards clinical trials.8-9 Audiovisual materials offer several advantages to the Hispanic population. They demonstrate high acceptability to patients10 show good potential for dissemination, and may be favored for individuals with low literacy.11 In addition, patients are able to review them with family.,1012 There is increased need to develop targeted, linguistically and culturally appropriate outreach and educational materials. This study sought to develop a media product in Spanish to increase knowledge and awareness and reduce misperceptions of clinical trials among Hispanic cancer patients and their families. Four focus groups were conducted in Spanish (N=36) comprised of Hispanic cancer patients and their caregivers who received care in the Tampa Bay area, or in Ponce, Puerto Rico. Participants were shown clips of existing Spanish language DVDs on clinical trials and asked to discuss likes and dislikes as well as to describe the decision making process they may use if offered a trial. Transcripts of the focus groups were coded to provide insights into the design of the media product. Results were examined within and across groups and guided the development of a creative brief and storyboards for the media product. The majority of participants liked distinct elements of existing DVDs such as the explanation of a trial and the physicians and patients speaking in Spanish (as opposed to those were Spanish was dubbed over English). The majority did not have an understanding of what clinical trials were even if they were currently enrolled in a trial (n=6). The majority of thought that if CTs were important their primary care doctor would have told them to participate. Results show a need to present clear, concise information about CT to an audience that knows little. Contrary to English audiences there is less need to dispel current misperceptions. An integral part of cultural decision making appears to be the role of the family and the expectation that the physician will make the final decision. Participants noted that information about CT should contain elements of “hope” and “faith and “respect.” These results will guide the development of a Spanish video specifically focused on meeting the information and cultural needs of Hispanic cancer patients and addressing the barriers to participation in clinical trials.

Citation Information: Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2010;19(10 Suppl):A8.