Abstract A51: Geographic Management of Programs (GMaP) Region VI: A regional approach to biospecimen education in diverse communities
Authors: Harbach Heidi M. , Briant Katherine J. , Thompson Beti 
Published: May 2015

Introduction: The purpose of this project is to conduct trainings on the importance of biospecimen collection and donation in the advancement of science within diverse communities in the National Cancer Institute's GMaP Region VI (AK, WA, MT, ID, OR, NV, CA, HI, American Samoa and Guam).

Background: It is vitally important for researchers interested in collecting biospecimens from diverse populations to understand the cultural implications and barriers that exist within each population in order to formulate successful strategies for biospecimen collection. The goal of this pilot project is to help bridge the gap between researchers, healthcare professionals and community members by providing reciprocal learning opportunities around biospecimen collection and donation. The purpose of the training seminar is two-fold: 1) to assess the level of readiness of providers and ancillary staff in cancer institutions within diverse communities to participate in biospecimen collection efforts; and/or 2) to provide education to community members on the importance of providing biospecimens in the advancement of cancer research.

Methods: GMaP issued a request for proposals throughout Region VI to conduct biospecimen training(s) within diverse communities using the “Biospecimens and Biobanking” Module from “Cancer 101: A Cancer Education and Training Program”. Proposed trainings were received from seven partner organizations and all were funded. The Biospecimens and Biobanking Module was tailored for regional use and a standardized pre/post-assessment was developed. Demographic data was also collected. Pre/post-assessment data was collected using the Audience Response System (ARS) when available. A Train-the-Trainer webinar was conducted for partner organizations hosting the trainings to familiarize staff with the training materials.

Results: Ten trainings took place between February 2013 and August 2013. A total of 282 individuals across the region participated in the trainings and were asked to complete a pre/post-assessment. Preliminary ARS data shows that the majority of participants were females (74.2%) of varying race/ethnicities and identified as healthcare professionals or healthcare providers (63.9% combined). In all cases, knowledge and awareness of biospecimen collection increased.

Conclusion: Our hypothesis is that the biospecimen trainings raised awareness and knowledge of the importance of biospecimen collection and donation in the advancement of science. As a result of participating in a training, healthcare providers and professionals will be more likely to talk to patients/clients about biospecimen donation.

Citation Format: Heidi M. Harbach, Katherine J. Briant, Beti Thompson. Geographic Management of Programs (GMaP) Region VI: A regional approach to biospecimen education in diverse communities. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Sixth AACR Conference: The Science of Cancer Health Disparities; Dec 6–9, 2013; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2014;23(11 Suppl):Abstract nr A51. doi:10.1158/1538-7755.DISP13-A51