Abstract A23: Using Internet-platform technology to train community-based researchers in developing countries: Lessons Learned from a Caribbean study

Abstract

Abstract As cancer increases as a global health challenge, the use of available technological platforms for communication is required. To develop a collaborative program of cancer prevention research between the U.S. and the Caribbean, we relied on several mobile phone and Internet-based communication platforms. In 2016-2017, a two-phase advocacy-engaged research study was initiated to determine 1) women’s perceptions of breast and cervical cancer screening and 2) gatekeepers’ perceptions of the quality and availability of breast and cervical cancer screening and treatment services in the four countries of the English-speaking Windward Islands. Our results revealed that mobile communication and Internet-platform technologies successfully trained Caribbean community researchers on qualitative data collection and analysis methods as well as dissemination strategies. In particular, mobile platforms including GoToTraining, WhatsApp, YouTube, Dedoose, Google Drive, and email were used to deliver interactive training modules to community researchers in the Caribbean. The Internet-based technology enhanced training, communication, and social interactions. Additionally, it facilitated the collaborative development of recruitment materials and data collection instruments, data management, reports, manuscripts, and results dissemination. Community and academic researchers agreed that use of technology fostered a cost-effective and efficient collaborative process. The availability and use of communication technology are especially critical for researchers addressing the raising global cancer burden, particularly in resource-poor countries. Advocacy-engaged, technology-facilitated cancer research has the potential to cultivate and sustain community capacity and infrastructure for international research partnerships by building bridges via the use of mobile and Internet-based technology. Citation Format: Kamilah B. Thomas-Purcell, Marva Primus-Joseph, Christine Richards, Ann Marie McBurnie James, Julie Blaze, Lydia Atkins, Patsy Wiley, Kimlin Tam Ashing. Using Internet-platform technology to train community-based researchers in developing countries: Lessons Learned from a Caribbean study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Modernizing Population Sciences in the Digital Age; 2019 Feb 19-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A23.