Multi-level assessment to reach out to rural breast cancer survivors

Abstract

Rural breast cancer survivors experience gaps in post-treatment education and support. We report the development and delivery of Reach Out to Rural Breast Cancer Survivors Program. Community-based participatory research and multi-level assessment were used to (a) engage rural community leaders, survivors, and providers; (b) analyze and report results of discussion groups to understand survivorship concerns and preferences; (c) integrate discussion group findings to develop, tailor, and deliver Reach Out; and (d) evaluate Reach Out with regard to satisfaction and helpfulness. In total, 16 rural breast cancer survivors participated in discussion groups. Four major concerns were identified through content analysis: lost in transition, self-management in survivorship, preference for support, and cancer surveillance. Major concerns and survivor preferences were integrated into Reach Out. A 15-item evaluation survey was used to assess the acceptability and helpfulness of Reach Out. In all, 72 participants attended three Reach Out programs; 96% completed evaluations of acceptability and helpfulness. In all, 68 were breast cancer survivors (99%), 88.4% were interested in the information; 91% indicated that personal objectives were met. Content about maintaining health, lymphedema management, and sexuality were ranked as most helpful. Rural survivorship concerns were similar to non-rural survivors, the major difference being access to services. In conclusion, multi-level assessment and community engagement were keys to understand rural survivorship and to develop and deliver content that attended to rural breast cancer survivors’ preferences.