Promoting informed approaches in precision oncology and clinical trial participation for Black patients with cancer: Community‐engaged development and pilot testing of a digital intervention

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundBlack patients with cancer are less likely to receive precision cancer treatments than White patients and are underrepresented in clinical trials. To address these disparities, the study aimed to develop and pilot‐test a digital intervention to improve Black patients’ knowledge about precision oncology and clinical trials, empower patients to increase relevant discussion, and promote informed decision‐making.MethodsA community‐engaged approach, including a Community Advisory Board and two rounds of key informant interviews with Black patients with cancer, their relatives, and providers (n = 48) was used to develop and refine the multimedia digital intervention. Thematic analysis was conducted for qualitative data. The intervention was then pilot‐tested with 30 Black patients with cancer to assess feasibility, acceptability, appropriateness, knowledge, decision self‐efficacy, and patient empowerment; Wilcoxon matched pairs signed‐rank test was used to analyze quantitative data.ResultsThe digital tool was found to be feasible, acceptable, and culturally appropriate. Key informants shared their preferences and recommendations for the digital intervention and helped improve cultural appropriateness through user and usability testing. In the pilot test, appreciable improvement was found in participants’ knowledge about precision oncology (z = –2.04, p = .052), knowledge about clinical trials (z = –3.14, p = .001), and decisional self‐efficacy for targeted/immune therapy (z = –1.96, p = .0495).ConclusionsThe digital intervention could be a promising interactive decision‐support tool for increasing Black patients’ participation in clinical trials and receipt of precision treatments, including immunotherapy. Its use in clinical practice may reduce disparities in oncology care and research.Plain Language Summary We developed a digital interactive decision support tool for Black patients with cancer by convening a Community Advisory Board and conducting interviews with Black patients with cancer, their relatives, and providers. We then pilot‐tested the intervention with newly diagnosed Black patients with cancer and found appreciable improvement in participants’ knowledge about precision oncology, knowledge about clinical trials, and confidence in making decisions for targeted/immune therapy. Our digital tool has great potential to be an affordable and scalable solution for empowering and educating Black patients with cancer to help them make informed decisions about precision oncology and clinical trials and ultimately reducing racial disparities.