Outreach Core

(This core is identical to all three partnering institutions) The overall goal of the Outreach Core is to implement and evaluate an evidence-based, theory-informed, multi-level, clinical trial, and cancer genomics education program (CTC-GEP) that addresses the determinants for all individuals to participate in clinical trials and cancer genomics studies. The navigation components of CTC-GEP is informed by the clinical trials navigator program implemented at the University of Alabama at Birmingham O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center. We scaled the findings of this program and extended the application of the patient navigation model to participation in clinical trials and genomic cancer research. A cadre of lay community navigator professionals have been trained and serve as clinical community navigators (CCN) to deliver two unique types of toolkits comprised of evidence-based educational resources on research participation (low-tech) and geographically tailored educational and multiple media content via mobile tablet technology (high-tech). The CCNs delivers these toolkits and provide logistical support to participants interested in participating in cancer research in rural and urban community health and academic research centers within the Partnership catchment areas. The CTC-GEP also address individual/patient beliefs, values, attitudes, concerns, and preferences related to participation in research, such as privacy, trust, and safety. An evaluation plan based on a logic model has been applied throughout the project. Outcome measures are assessed through pre- and post- surveys. The outcomes of the CTC-GEP include a) intentions to participate in research, b) awareness and knowledge about research, and c) genomic research and clinical trial enrollment. Additionally, having a Joint Clinical/Community and Biomedical Research Advisory Roundtable (JCAR) guided, clinical community navigation and education program have led to increased awareness, opportunity and participation in genomic research and clinical trials among all patients in the southeastern U.S. The rationale for this Core, intended to facilitate research and not conduct research, is to identify effective strategies to facilitate research participation among all populations in the southeastern U.S. The activities outlined in this proposal are congruent with the strategies in the RFA of CPACHE listed for the Outreach Core.