Abstract A115: Utilizing digital storytelling to improve the recruitment of Black and Hispanic patients for a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer screening trial
Authors: Liu Yi , Adjei Brenda , Couvillon Anna , Calzone Kathleen , Karzai Fatima 
Published: September 2024

Introduction: Clinical genomics leads to more effective cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Prostate cancer (PC) significantly impacts Black and Hispanic men, but participation in clinical trials and PC risk management methods like genetic testing and screening remains low. Barriers to diversity and inclusion in clinical trials include cultural and socioeconomic factors. Digital storytelling is an effective tool for building trust and increasing community engagement. We aim to develop and assess the use of digital storytelling to improve recruitment of Black and Hispanic patients in a trial for men at high genetic risk for developing PC (clinicaltrials.gov NCT03805919) and raise awareness of genetic testing and enrollment in clinical trials within these communities. Methods: Guided by the Assessing Community Engagement Conceptual Model, we will establish a community advisory panel (CAP) comprised of patient advocates, community, and clinical partners with a strong interest in increasing clinical trial representation of Black and Hispanic patients at high genetic risk for developing PC. CAP participants will be identified from existing partners and through snowballing techniques, which involve asking partners to recommend other CAP participants. The CAP will co-design storytelling interview questions, baseline, and outcome assessments and collectively determine effective methods for digital story dissemination. To evaluate the impact of storytelling on awareness, interest, and participation in genetic testing, medical management, and clinical trial recruitment among Black and Hispanic men, outcome assessments co-designed with the CAP will be administered pre and post-video viewing and include viewer qualitative interviews. Results: Filmed interviews with Black and Hispanic participants will be conducted. Interviews will focus on participant experiences with clinical trials, genetic testing, and cancer risk management. Interview transcripts will be in English and Spanish with forward and back translation to ensure accuracy using National Institutes of Health resources. Local and national partners, community organizations, faith-based institutions, healthcare facilities, and advocacy groups identified by the CAP will facilitate dissemination. Digital stories will be distributed across various multimedia platforms to maximize outreach and accessibility, including community web platforms, social media channels, podcasts, local radio stations, educational workshops, health fairs, cultural events, churches, and support groups. Conclusion: Building strategies for improving patient-centered care delivery and community engagement within culturally diverse populations will enhance clinical trial diversity and inclusion. Using digital storytelling as a recruitment strategy for clinical trials can foster trust, engagement, and participation within Black and Hispanic communities. Study findings will contribute to future clinical trial design and recruitment to enhance underrepresented minority participation in clinical research.

Citation Format: Yi Liu, Brenda Adjei, Anna Couvillon, Kathleen Calzone, Fatima Karzai. Utilizing digital storytelling to improve the recruitment of Black and Hispanic patients for a genetic predisposition to prostate cancer screening trial [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 A115.