Collaborative development of clinical trials education programs for African-American community-based organizations

Area of Science:

• Community Health
• Health Disparities
• Cancer Research Education

Background:

• African-American communities face unique barriers to cancer clinical trial participation.
• Effective health education requires cultural adaptation to address community-specific concerns.
• Existing cancer clinical trial educational materials may not resonate with diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the adaptation of cancer clinical trials education using a
• Learning and Feedback
• approach for African-American communities.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of culturally adapted educational modules.
• To promote increased inquiry about cancer clinical trials within the target community.

Main Methods:

• A
• Learning and Feedback
• process was employed to customize generic cancer clinical trials education modules.
• Community leaders were trained as facilitators to deliver the education.
• Quantitative and qualitative assessments measured understanding, comfort, and cultural relevance.

Main Results:

• Generic materials were revised into three modules addressing key messages, distrust in research, misconceptions, patient protections, and a call to action.
• The revised modules were successfully implemented in a train-the-trainer program with 12 African-American community leaders.
• The adapted approach demonstrated cultural relevance and improved understanding of cancer clinical trials.

Conclusions:

• The
• Learning and Feedback
• process is an effective and innovative method for culturally adapting cancer clinical trials education.
• Culturally tailored education can help overcome barriers to participation in cancer research for minority communities.
• This approach can empower community leaders to promote cancer clinical trial awareness and engagement.