Abstract 60: Cancer Navigator: A Video-Based Support and Education Tool for Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers

Purpose: The aim of this study was to identify the informational needs of cancer patients and caregivers among a diverse population in Colombia to inform the development of Cancer Navigator, a video-based tool to help cancer patients and their families understand and navigate their treatment. Methods: Seven focus group discussions (FGDs) with n=47 participants and n=80 in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted to understand the needs of cancer patients and caregivers regarding their cancer diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation in the Colombian healthcare system. The information was analyzed using thematic analysis, and informed the development of a series of 18 short infographic and personal narrative videos covering different cancer topics, delivered by local clinicians and survivors; along with a resource guide of local services for food, housing and transportation. A pilot study was conducted to evaluate pre-post depression and anxiety among 22 caregivers and 18 cancer patients at Hospital Mederi (Bogota, Colombia). Results: Themes/topics identified from the interviews included: treatment effects; cancer etiology; nutrition, physical activity recommendations; psychological/spiritual/emotional support; alternative therapies; warning signs; self-learning cancer tools and administrative procedures. The pilot study showed a mild decrease in anxiety and distress immediately after viewing three videos. The proportion of patients with anxiety levels above normal (>7 on Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, HADS) changed from 27% to 15% after viewing (p=0.17), and distress (score >5 on the distress thermometer) decreased from 35% to 22% (p=0.22). Conclusion: The Cancer Navigator video-based educational/support tool shows promise for reducing anxiety and distress among cancer patients and caregivers in Colombia. Next steps will be to test the feasibility and acceptability of the videos among patients, caregivers and healthcare providers at three additional oncology hospitals in Bogota in 2021. Citation Format: Ana Pedraza-Flechas, Carolyn Taylor, Erika Barrera-Suarez, Luis Perez, Jesica Soto, Alejandra Arias, Andres Patino, Vera Perales, Angela Pinzon-Rondon, Angela Ruiz-Sternberg, Anna Cabanes, Phuongthao Le. Cancer Navigator: A Video-Based Support and Education Tool for Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 60.