Evaluating a patient ambassador program to improve clinical trial knowledge and intent to discuss gynecologic oncology trials.

Abstract

11083 Background: To evaluate the implementation of a pilot patient-ambassador program to provide peer-to-peer clinical trial education aimed at increasing awareness, knowledge, and intent to discuss gyn oncology (GYO) trials in trial-naïve patients. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods interventional behavioral study at an urban-metropolitan NCI comprehensive cancer center to evaluate the implementation of a program for initiating “chats” about GYO clinical trials. From Feb-Oct 2024, we recruited patients as “ambassadors” who previously participated in a GYO clinical trial. Ambassadors underwent training via an educational curriculum and then were paired with 5-7 "mentees," who were trial-naïve patients with high-risk or advanced gyn cancer. Outcomes assessments included post-chat quantitative surveys using the acceptability and feasibility of intervention measures (AIM & FIM), net promoter score (NPS), and change in clinical trials knowledge score. Qualitative analyses of open-ended survey responses, dyad “chat” recordings, and feedback from ambassadors at training, mid-program and exit interviews were completed by two coders using a modified content analysis approach. Chi-square test and t-tests were applied with p<0.05 considered significant. IRB exemption obtained (IRB #: 854317). Results: 3 ambassadors and 20 mentees completed the program, resulting in 20 “chats” from a pool of 266 eligible mentees. On the pre-chat survey, 90% of mentees reported they had previously heard of clinical trials and 75% of mentees reported they perceived trials as somewhat/very positive. Post chat, 90% of mentees reported their perception of trials as somewhat/very positive, 85% felt the chat changed their view of trials, and 95% felt confident to ask their oncology provider about trials. Participants reported high acceptability, feasibility, and program promotion, but no increase in knowledge (table). Qualitative themes of barriers to trial participation included misconceptions of trial types and inability to withdraw, and fear of side effects, and cost. Facilitators included desire to help humanity and hope for new treatments. Implementation concerns included emotional strain on ambassadors, mismatched ambassador-mentee expectations, and ambassadors' variability in discussing recruitment of diverse populations. Conclusions: This pilot patient-ambassador program is a feasible, acceptable, and highly promoted intervention to increase patients’ confidence in discussing and intent to ask oncology providers about clinical trials. Outcomes Mentee Ambassador (mean, SD) Pre chat Post chat Pre chat Post chat Knowledge Survey (%) 74.17 (13.22) 77.08 (16.42) 83.33 (16.67) 83.33 (14.43) AIM* - 4.29 (0.74) - 5.00 (0.00) FIM* - 4.18 (0.74) - 4.92 (0.14) NPS* - 8.90 (2.47) - 10.00 (0.00) *AIM and FIM (Scale 1-5). NPS (Scale 1-10).