Tailoring an Online Platform to Promote Evidence-Based Care for Adults With Neurofibromatosis 1 and Low Health Literacy

Overview

This decentralized, randomized study seeks to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of two approaches to assisting Neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) patients with low health literacy improve their understanding of NF1 symptoms and care recommendations. Participants will be provided with personalized NF1 care letters for themselves and their doctors, along with either NF1 educational videos or a call with an NF1 peer navigator. Adults with NF1 from across the U.S. who have upcoming annual wellness visits scheduled with a primary care provider (PCP) are eligible to enroll in the study. To see if you might be eligible, fill out a prescreening survey here: https://redcap.link/nfpeer

Background: Previous studies indicate that patient understanding of NF1 symptoms and screening for health issues such as hypertension, scoliosis, and cancers could be improved. Many individuals with NF1 have learning challenges, complicating their ability to access NF1 information. To address this gap, researchers are evaluating two interventions to promote understanding of NF1 care within adults with low health literacy. Methods: Enrolled participants will complete baseline survey assessments online before their PCP visit and then be randomized to either the educational videos or peer navigator intervention group. Both groups will be given personalized letters, one for themselves and one for their clinician, that describe NF1 care recommendations. After attending their annual wellness visit, all participants will be asked to complete an online follow-up survey. A small subsample of participants will also be asked to do a virtual qualitative interview. No visits to Massachusetts General Hospital are required for this study.