Providing Educational Resources during the Pandemic for Advanced Breast Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT

Significance and Background: Metastatic Breast Cancer (MBC) or Advanced Breast Cancer (ABC) is multifaceted and requires high levels of support and resource utilization. The ABC Program at MD Anderson Cancer Center began in 2014 with a goal to increase the quantity and quality of life for patients living with MBC. It offers emotional support, personalized visits with a nurse practitioner navigator, access to clinical trials, specialty clinics, tailored patient education and innovative care projects. Prior to COVID-19, the ABC Program held a 90-minute quarterly town hall series featuring 2-3 presenters and topics of patient interest. In response to COVID-19, it pivoted to a weekly virtual 60-minute educational series called "ABCs of Healthy Living in Challenging Times" that is for patients with breast cancer, caregivers, faculty, staff, community members and advocates. Purpose(s) To address COVID-19 social-distancing related isolation and changes to healthcare, build community, empower patients, and educate on diverse topics including patient services, treatment, symptom management and quality of life. Interventions and Evaluation The series was facilitated by a nurse practitioner navigator via Zoom. A distribution list created from town hall meetings was the basis for the series' notices and has grown by referrals, word of mouth and marketing opportunities;it began with less than 150 people and has grown to more than 550 people. The facilitator offered a format where the attendees and speakers could interact visually and verbally with each other. From 4/2020 to 6/2022, 104 webinars were held for 2,546 attendees for an average of 24 attendees each week. Topics covered were side effect management/quality of life/healthy lifestyle (26%), patient education/empowerment (18%), treatment (19%), clinical trials/research (11%), quality of life related to COVID-19 (8%), COVID-19 (7%), innovation projects (4%), palliative/end of life care (7%), and financial/disability concerns (3%). The series was evaluated using the Qualtrics survey software (n=53). Respondents said that the series has positively influenced their interactions with healthcare providers (65%), how patients with MBC think about their cancer experiences (65%) and provided an opportunity to connect with others like themselves (65%). Respondents stated actions taken based on the series shared the information with family/friends (77%), joined or remained in a support group (34%), spoke with a provider for information and services (32%), requested an appointment with the ABC Program or other specialty clinics (26%), started a new healthy behavior (21%), joined a clinical trial (11%), or started using a patient reported outcome tool (9%). The series served mostly patients living with MBC (70%), established patients at MD Anderson (38%) or patients at MD Anderson as well as a community cancer center (17%). Most respondents indicated that they attended about half of the time, usually or always (60%) and are very or completely satisfied with the series (92%). Demographics of the respondents were White (77%), Black (13%), Asian (4%) and Hispanic (16%). Discussion(s) The ABC Program pivoted to COVID-19 by offering services virtually. The virtual series has allowed for more digestible patient education, varied presentations, and participation for those living outside of Houston, TX. Peer support and continuing education are imperative dynamics for patients to use their voice to impact their overall quality of life. The series has impacted attendees with a change in behavior when speaking with their clinical team, awareness and utilization of support resources, and starting healthy behaviors. While the series was created in response to demands of COVID-19, it effectively addressed psychosocial and educational needs and overall quality of life of MBC patients. The series was an easy intervention to initiate with lasting changes relative to the effort and resources required.