Abstract 2552: Adapting a novel cancer care delivery model: identifying barriers unique to care coordination for LGBTQ cancer survivors
Authors: Nicolas Francone, Jonathan Alhalel, Will Dunne, Sankirtana Danner, Nihmotallahi Adebayo, Toni Madorsky, Cassandra Osei, Juan Rivera, Julia Trossman, Christine Weldon, Elizabeth Adetoro, Melissa Simon
Journal: Cancer Research (2021)

Abstract Background: Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community experience health disparities stemming from factors that include barriers to access, such as lack of LGBTQ-competent providers, discrimination, avoidance of care due to concerns about mistreatment, low income, unstable housing and lack of insurance. LGBTQ individuals have reduced rates of cancer screening which may lead to delayed diagnosis, have disproportionately higher rates of certain cancers, and are at elevated risk for many comorbidities, including mental health conditions, substance abuse, smoking-related diseases, cardiovascular disease and HIV. Community health clinics serve a critical role in the health of LGBTQ patients with cancer, however referral to institutionally-disconnected cancer specialists often disrupts care received at their primary care medical home, leaving a large gap in integrated primary care services. Thus, upon cancer diagnosis, LGBTQ patients become vulnerable to disruptions in support systems and fragmentation of cancer and primary care. The 4R model (Right information and Right Care for the Right Patient at the Right Time) is a novel approach our team developed to facilitate cancer planning, as a vehicle for patient enablement and team-based care delivery across the oncology and primary care continuum. The goal of our project is to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation of the 4R model as a component of care delivered to LGBTQ cancer survivors and later develop a protocol tailored to optimally meet the needs and preferences of LGBTQ cancer survivors, including overcoming barriers to optimal care that are presented by fragmentation of multi-level care at sites nationwide. Methods: In collaboration with one of the largest healthcare organizations caring primarily for an LGBTQ population, semi-structured interviews are being conducted with clinical care team members (N=10), patients (N=25), family/caregivers (N=10), and community organizations (N=5) in order to identify barriers and facilitators to implementation of the 4R model as a component of care delivered to LGBTQ cancer survivors. A Rapid Analysis Process, which is a qualitative analysis method recommended for circumstances in which a quick analysis is required to adopt changes to an ongoing process, will be utilized. Results: Interviews with clinical team members and stakeholder feedback with our FQHC partner site indicate a lack of research in and need to providing appropriate and effective cancer care coordination for the LGBTQ population. Interviews conducted with various stakeholder groups will reveal important considerations in (1) initiating cancer care, (2) providing appropriate supports and resources, (3) addressing comorbid conditions, and (4) providing follow up cancer monitoring, specifically for LGBTQ individuals. Citation Format: Nicolas Francone, Jonathan Alhalel, Will Dunne, Sankirtana Danner, Nihmotallahi Adebayo, Toni Madorsky, Cassandra Osei, Juan Rivera, Julia Trossman, Christine Weldon, Elizabeth Adetoro, Melissa Simon. Adapting a novel cancer care delivery model: identifying barriers unique to care coordination for LGBTQ cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2552.