Development of a Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Genetics Training for Community Health Workers: KEEP IT (Keeping Each other Engaged Program via IT) Community Health Worker Training

Abstract

Abstract We developed a curriculum for community health workers (CHWs) using an innovative, community-engaged focus group and Delphi process approach. Equipping CHWs with knowledge of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer (HBOC) and genetics could help enhance identification of women at risk for HBOC, referral, and navigation through genetic services. Focus groups of five CHWs were conducted on two separate occasions. A three round Delphi process study involving eight experts was conducted. In Round 1 participants rated and commented on draft modules. The second round involved live video discussion to highlight points of confusion and concern in the modules. The third round followed the same process as Round 1. Eight individuals participated in the Delphi process. The curriculum was revised and refined based on quantitative and qualitative data and reassessed by the experts in Round 3. Agreement was achieved on eight of 10 modules when assessing for clarity of learning objectives, seven out of 10 when assessing for adult learning theory, and nine out of 10 when assessing for participants’ ability to learn desired knowledge and the Delphi process concluded. High levels of agreement were attained for most modules, and if not, they were altered accordingly. We plan to virtually deliver this curriculum to CHWs to enhance their HBOC and genomic competencies. By equipping CHWs to understand and participate in genomics education, we can enable more equitable participation in genomics-informed clinical care and research. Beyond this curriculum, the Delphi methodology can further be used to design content for new CHW curriculums.