Training of Community Health Workers to Deliver Cancer Patient Navigation to Rural African American Seniors

Abstract

Background Rural African American (AA) seniors may experience significant challenges during cancer treatment. Previous research suggests community health workers (CHWs) can provide effective cancer patient navigation (CPN) support. Objectives To develop a Train the Trainers (TTT) program for CHWs in rural Central Virginia who would navigate local AA seniors with cancer and train their support persons to provide similar types of assistance. Methods We conducted focus groups with rural AA seniors, consulted with experienced CHW trainers, recruited and trained CHWs through a combination of online learning and distance education, evaluated the TTT via surveys and focus groups, and hired CHWs to the study team. Results/Lessons Learned Lessons learned from our TTT experience include the value of incorporating CHW trainers and trainees as full members of the research team. Conclusions Training should be accessible and flexible, providing trainees community-level resources and enriched educational experiences. Findings have informed a culturally tailored support CHW intervention to address cancer diagnosis and treatment needs for older rural AAs.

Training in Patient Navigation

“…Nine published articles focus exclusively on PN training programs (Braun, Allison, & Tsark, 2008; Bryant, Williamson, Cartmell, & Jefferson, 2011; Calhoun et al, 2010; Fernandes, Riklon, Langidrik, Williams, & Kabua, 2014; Klimmek et al, 2012; Ostroff et al, 2011; Schapira & Schutt, 2011; Shelton et al, 2011; Sly et al, 2012). All nine studies described the content of their training programs and additionally evaluated their training programs using metrics such as knowledge, self-efficacy, satisfaction, and competency engaging in specific navigator skills.…”

“…All nine studies described the content of their training programs and additionally evaluated their training programs using metrics such as knowledge, self-efficacy, satisfaction, and competency engaging in specific navigator skills. Five studies also described the development of training curricula (Braun, Allison, & Tsark, 2008; Calhoun et al, 2010; Klimmek et al, 2012; Ostroff et al, 2011; Schapira & Schutt, 2011). One source of information regarding PN training is research studies that have been published in peer-reviewed literature.…”

Effectiveness of an Intervention for Adherence to Follow-up Recommendations for Abnormal Pap Tests in Appalachian Kentucky

“…11,12 For example, although cervical cancer mortality has decreased over recent decades, 13 data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program reveals that mortality rates in Kentucky are substantially higher than the national average. Through 2003, when this project began, the US cervical cancer mortality rate was 2.7 per 100,000 (95% confidence interval = 2.6–2.7).…”