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Pal A, Smith B, Allan C, Karikios D, Boyle F. Improving Access to Cancer Clinical Trials for Patients From Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Backgrounds in Australia: A Survey of Clinical and Research Professionals. JCO Oncol Pract 2023; 19:1039-1047. [PMID: 37677123 DOI: 10.1200/op.23.00291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with cancer from racial and ethnic minorities, referred to as culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) in Australia, are significantly under-represented in cancer clinical trials. We performed a national survey of the Australian cancer clinical trials workforce to determine barriers and preferred solutions to address this inequity. METHODS A 15-item online survey containing both closed- and open-ended purpose-designed questions was created using REDCap. The survey was emailed to members of the Clinical Oncology Society of Australia, Medical Oncology Group of Australia, and Australian cancer cooperative trial groups, and promoted via Twitter. Descriptive analyses summarized quantitative data, and free-text entries underwent thematic analysis with NVivo Version 12. RESULTS Ninety one respondents completed the survey-with representation across Australia. Eighty-seven percent were directly involved in clinical trial recruitment. Sixty-eight percent were clinicians. Seventy-four percent of respondents did not collect routine data on CALD patient enrollment to cancer clinical trials. Communication (eg, lack of translated materials) and opportunity-related barriers (eg, exclusionary trial protocols) were the most frequently perceived barriers to recruitment. Additionally, qualitative analysis indicated that insufficient consultation time and difficulties accessing interpreters for patients with non-English language preference were significant barriers. Trial navigators and a generic cancer trial pamphlet available in multiple languages were judged the most likely solutions to improve recruitment. CONCLUSION This study articulates the Australian clinical trials workforce's perspective on current barriers and potential solutions to the under-representation of patients from CALD backgrounds on cancer clinical trials. The insights and solutions from this survey provide steps toward achieving equity in Australian cancer clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abhijit Pal
- Liverpool Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ben Smith
- Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- South West Sydney Clinical Campuses, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Gough K, Bergin RJ, Drosdowsky A, Aranda S, Mileshkin L, Jackson M, Kinnane N, Bernshaw D, Juraskova I, White K, Mohamed M, Schofield P. Women with gynaecological cancer awaiting radiotherapy: Self-reported wellbeing, general psychological distress, symptom distress, sexual function, and supportive care needs. Gynecol Oncol 2022; 167:42-50. [PMID: 36064679 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To better serve women with gynaecological cancers, we need a sound understanding of their health, wellbeing and needs. This study sought to explore these issues in a sample of Australian women before commencing curative radiotherapy. METHODS We undertook a secondary analysis of baseline data from a supportive care trial (n = 311). Descriptive statistics were used to summarise responses to measures of wellbeing, general psychological distress, symptom distress, sexual function and vaginal changes, and supportive care needs. Pre-specified regression models were used to examine sources of variation in wellbeing and sexual function. RESULTS Women reported lower emotional, functional and physical wellbeing than population norms (all p < 0.001). The prevalence of general psychological distress was 31% (95% CI 26-36%). Distress caused by physical symptoms was typically low. Health system and information needs comprised eight of the top ten moderate-to-high supportive care needs. Most women reported no change in interest for physical contact or sex compared to pre-diagnosis, but some sexually active women (16-24%) reported smaller vaginal size, increased dryness, and more pain on intercourse. General psychological distress was a robust marker of poorer wellbeing and sexual function. CONCLUSIONS Before radiotherapy, a substantial minority of women with gynaecological cancers experience general psychological distress, reduced wellbeing and moderate-to-high health system and information needs. A model of comprehensive care incorporating assessment of unmet needs, general psychological distress, and sexual issues is recommended. Healthcare providers may require training to elicit and respond to a constellation of interrelated issues and access relevant services for women requiring additional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karla Gough
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Jane Bergin
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Cancer Epidemiology Division, Cancer Council Victoria, 615 St Kilda Road, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of General Practice and Centre for Cancer Research, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Allison Drosdowsky
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sanchia Aranda
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Nursing, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Linda Mileshkin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael Jackson
- School of Clinical Medicine, Randwick Campus, UNSW Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Kinnane
- Gynaecology Services, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David Bernshaw
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Ilona Juraskova
- Centre of Medical Psychology and Evidence-based Decision-making (CeMPED), School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Kate White
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Cancer Care Research Unit, Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia; The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mustafa Mohamed
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Penelope Schofield
- Department of Health Services Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Psychological Sciences, Iverson Health Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia
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