JL1014P: The Effectiveness of a Peer Specialist Training Program

Background:
Cancer clinical trials are key to making progress against cancer, however it is estimated that fewer than 1 in 20 adult cancer patients enroll in clinical trials. Of this low participation rate, only 5% identify as Black or African American. Additionally, research shows that not only are Black individuals less likely to participate in clinical trials, they are less likely to be offered the opportunity (Unger, et al., 2016). This means that a growing number of Americans lack access to the potentially lifesaving treatments and clinical advances provided by clinical trials.

There is substantial evidence that peer support programs can not only favorably impact prevention and early detection of diseases, but aid in the removal of barriers to care and the management of chronic diseases, such as cancer (Swider, 2002). The Cancer Support Community (CSC)’s Peer Clinical Trials Support Program, based on the peer support model, aims to promote clinical trial awareness, education, and enrollment among Black and African American cancer patients by matching patients with a professionally trained peer of the same race, with experience participating in a cancer clinical trial.

Methods:
The Peer Specialist Training Program is a comprehensive curriculum and training, developed by CSC staff, for Peer Specialists in the Peer Clinical Trials Support Program. The goal of the training is to produce knowledgeable Peer Specialists who are confident in their ability to communicate and support Black and African American cancer patients interested in learning about or enrolling in a cancer clinical trial. Participants completed a 6-part, 12-hour virtual training on topics including clinical trial basics, current and past research abuses, barriers to enrollment, and communication and building rapport. To evaluate the effectiveness of this training, participants completed a pre-post survey measuring their knowledge of clinical trials and peer support, their helping ability, and overall satisfaction.

Results:
Eight participants with varying cancer diagnoses took part in this training. The pre-post survey consisted of 5-point Likert scale questions as well as several open-ended responses. Results indicate a notable shift to greater perceived knowledge levels for all statements such as why clinical trials are needed, enrollment barriers, and the benefits of peer support. Additionally, notable positive shifts occurred in participants’ perceived helping ability including increases in their confidence to educate patients, address fears and concerns, and effectively communicate. Most participants strongly agreed that they were satisfied with the overall training and that the learning style met their expectations. In open-ended responses participants echoed their satisfaction and indicated the need for additional role plays and technological support.

Recommendations:
Survey results indicate that the Peer Specialist Training Program is effective in increasing participant’s perceived knowledge of clinical trials and peer support as well as their perceived ability to successfully help patients. Survey results can be used as an important tool in the implementation of the Peer Clinical Trials Support Program as well as the development of future cancer or clinical trial-related peer support programs.