The purpose of the research is to: develop an educational website to empower Black and African American cancer patients to make informed decisions about personalized cancer treatment and clinical trials. The sample size for the qualitative interviews was (n=48) when saturation was achieved. With a goal of (n=33) for the pilot trial, the overall target sample size for the study is (n=81).
The website offers tools for discussing innovative treatments with their clinicians, finding clinical trials, and locating support groups. We are conducting key informant interviews, testing the website with pilot tester and asking volunteers from our Community Advisory Board to review our website prototype to further improve its design and features.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
81
The intervention prototype called the PINPOINT Digital Educational Tool will be comprised of four main sections that include information about: 1) precision oncology; 2) clinical trials; 3) "Learn More" screens; and 4) discussion points and questions for the treating clinician. The intervention prototype will also include a search function, short videos of patient testimonials, patient-provider interaction about immunotherapy and clinical trials, as well as a list of questions/concerns that the patient could print (or save electronically) and take with them to their provider visit. An optional chatbot will be available in the corner of the screen. Users can ask the chatbot questions about any of the material on the website or request additional information. The chatbot will also be able to help patients search for molecularly targeted and immunotherapy clinical trials and offer additional resources (such as websites and online support groups).
The Rutgers Cancer Institute
New Brunswick, New Jersey, United States
Acceptability of Intervention
Measured using the 4-item Acceptability of Intervention Measure (AIM). Scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater acceptability. Cronbach's α = .85.
Time frame: Immediately following completion of the PINPOINT intervention during the pilot testing session (same day; intervention and exit survey completed within approximately 30-40 minutes total).
Appropriateness of Intervention
Measured using the 4-item Intervention Appropriateness Measure (IAM). Scores range from 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating greater appropriateness. Cronbach's α = .91.
Time frame: Immediately following completion of the PINPOINT intervention during the pilot testing session (same day; intervention and exit survey completed within approximately 30-40 minutes total).
Knowledge About Precision Oncology
Assessed using two researcher-developed items based on the intervention content. Scores ranged from 0 to 2, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge.
Time frame: Baseline assessed before exposure to the PINPOINT intervention; follow-up assessed by survey within approximately 1 week after the participant's oncology consultation.
Knowledge About Clinical Trials
Assessed using 4 researcher-developed items based on the intervention content. Scores ranged from 0 to 4, with higher scores indicating greater knowledge.
Time frame: Baseline assessed before exposure to the PINPOINT intervention; follow-up assessed by survey within approximately 1 week after the participant's oncology consultation.
Decision Self-efficacy for Tumor Genomic Sequencing.
Assessed using the 11-item Decision Self-Efficacy Scale. Scores ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater confidence in participants' ability to make informed decisions about tumor genomic sequencing.
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Time frame: Baseline assessed before exposure to the PINPOINT intervention; follow-up assessed by survey within approximately 1 week after the participant's oncology consultation.
Decision Self-efficacy for Targeted/Immune Therapy
Assessed using the 11-item Decision Self Efficacy Scale. Scored ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scored indicating greater confidence in participants' ability to make informed decisions about receiving targeted or immune therapies.
Time frame: Baseline assessed before exposure to the PINPOINT intervention; follow-up assessed by survey within approximately 1 week after the participant's oncology consultation.
Patient Empowerment
Assessed using the 13-item Patient Activation Measure (PAM). Scores ranged from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating greater levels of patient activation and empowerment in managing one's health and health care.
Time frame: Baseline assessed before exposure to the PINPOINT intervention; follow-up assessed by survey within approximately 1 week after the participant's oncology consultation.