Purpose Hot flashes (HFs) are a particularly common and distressing symptom in breast cancer survivors (BCS). Given its low rate of side effects, acupuncture shows promise as a therapeutic approach for HFs but little is known about BCS’s decision-making about use of acupuncture. This study seeks to identify attitudes and beliefs about using acupuncture for HFs by BCS. Methods Using the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) as a conceptual framework, we conducted semi-structured interviews among women with stage I–III breast cancer who had finished primary treatment and were currently experiencing HFs. Interviews were taped, transcribed, and coded. We used a modified grounded theory approach to analyze the data. Results Twenty-five BCS (13 Caucasian/12 African American) participated in the study. Respondents stated that their intended use of acupuncture for HFs would be dependent on: 1) Expected therapeutic effects (e.g. pain relief, energy); 2) Practical concerns (e.g. fear of needles, practitioner experience, time commitment); and 3) Source of decision support/validation (e.g. family members, physicians, self). Although constructs in the TPB accounted for many decision factors, respondents identified two major themes outside of the TPB: 1) Viewing acupuncture as a natural alternative to medications, and 2) Assessing the degree of HFs as bothersome enough in the context of other medical co-morbidities to trigger the need for therapy. Conclusion BCS expressed varied expected therapeutic benefits, practical concerns, and decision support, emphasizing the “natural appeal” and symptom appraisal as key determinants in using acupuncture for HFs. Incorporating these factors in counseling BCS may promote patient-centered communication leading to improved hot flash management and quality of life.

Evidence-based decisions about acupuncture use rests on outcomes of randomized clinical trials, but little is known about cancer patients' attitudes and beliefs about participating in clinical trials involving acupuncture. We conducted this study to understand how breast cancer survivors make decisions regarding participation in an acupuncture clinical trial for hot flashes.

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Clinical research professionals (CRPs) are vital for high quality research. Professional development opportunities for CRPs help improve job satisfaction and retention. This poster will present data on peer-presenter satisfaction and their assessment of co-leading a workshop as an important professional development and networking activity. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Developing a Research Professionals Network Workshop is an important professional development opportunity for peer-presenters in a mentored, collaborative environment that encourages networking and inter-institutional teamwork. Presenters are connected by the leadership team and then work together to develop the workshop’s learning objectives, presentation, and activities. A summary of learner evaluations are provided to the presenting team to provide constructive feedback for future presentations. A survey to assess experience in leading the workshops is sent to presenters after the workshop to assess overall satisfaction and assessment of importance in their professional development. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Presenter evaluation response data from the years of 2019-2022 showed high rates of agreement that presenters’ participation 1) increased their knowledge of the topic, 2) appreciated the support provided by the leadership team, 3) felt adequately prepared to lead the workshop, and 4) were overall satisfied with the experience. Questions specifically around the inter-institutional collaboration and professional development of the workshop experience were added in 2021 and similarly showed high marks of satisfaction. Qualitative response data showed that some presenters continued collaborations after workshop completion. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Overall results show that workshop presenters felt that leading an RPN workshop with collaborators from the other participating sites was a useful experience that supported their ongoing professional development. High marks on satisfaction by presenters is attributed to the multi-hub partnership and guidance from the leadership team.

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