Patient-centered outcome evaluation of the Rural Breast Cancer Survivors Intervention

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Survivorship Care
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Patient-centered evaluation is crucial for intervention research but often overlooked.
• The Rural Breast Cancer Survivors (RBCS) Intervention aims to provide education and support tailored to rural survivors.
• Evaluating interventions from the participant's perspective offers valuable insights into effectiveness and areas for improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the patient-centered evaluation of the Rural Breast Cancer Survivors (RBCS) Intervention.
• To assess participants' experiences and perceptions of the RBCS Intervention's educational materials and support.
• To identify key components of the intervention that were most valued by rural breast cancer survivors.

Main Methods:

• A survey, including quantitative statements and qualitative questions, was mailed to 364 breast cancer survivors enrolled in the RBCS Intervention.
• The survey collected data on participants' understanding of educational materials, perceived helpfulness, and timing of delivery.
• Both quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed to understand participant experiences.

Main Results:

• 221 participants (61%) returned the survey, with all completing qualitative questions and 25% completing quantitative sections.
• Participants found educational materials easy to understand, relevant to quality of life, and helpful for health decisions and communication with family and oncology teams.
• A significant majority (94%) found the information helpful for decision-making, while 66% felt materials were not provided at an optimal time post-treatment. One-on-one nurse interaction was highly valued.

Conclusions:

• The RBCS Intervention was perceived as helpful, particularly the educational content and nurse interactions.
• Survivors reported improved skills in communicating with family and healthcare providers.
• Suggestions for improvement include earlier delivery of materials and leveraging social media for wider reach.