Abstract P5-12-03: Developing the ePromotora: Increasing Promotora's Access to Breast Cancer Electronic Resources

Abstract

Abstract Background: Disparities in breast cancer screening and survival have been attributed to multiple factors including limited access to breast health education. Innovative information technologies facilitate health education; however, access to information technology is not uniform. The resultant systematic gap in health knowledge has led to a new health disparity where higher socioeconomic individuals acquire health information electronically more easily than the disadvantaged. Promotoras or Community Health Workers (CHWs) facilitate access to culturally appropriate cancer health information, screening and care. Hypothesis: An electronic asynchronous breast cancer educational intervention developed by the Arizona Telemedicine Program and the Arizona Health Sciences Library will improve CHW computer literacy and will enhance health education communication. Specific Aims: to develop, implement and assess a 6-session e-promotora training curriculum with a focus on breast health. Methods: The first step in developing a training curriculum was a needs assessment and a computer literacy assessment. This assessment served as the foundation for the computer literacy curriculum which focused on breast health content. The educational intervention was delivered as a combination of on-line, webinar, and face-to-face seminars. To meet the needs of the participants all sessions were delivered bilingually, Spanish and English. Program evaluation included pre and post knowledge assessments, session assignments, program satisfaction and 6-month follow up focus groups or structured interviews to evaluate the utility, implementation and dissemination of knowledge gained. Results: 26 CHWs have completed the training. All participants identified as Latinas, average age – 51 years of age and educational attainment – 58% (15/26) reported high school or less. Pre and post assessment data reveal high program satisfaction scores, increased participant knowledge and confidence in knowledge, consistent and ongoing use of information learned and computer skills gained and effective dissemination of health information gained. Conclusions: The e-promotora training curriculum effectively improves CHW computer literacy, facilitates dissemination of electronic health information and helps address the disparities in electronic health information. Citation Information: Cancer Res 2012;72(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P5-12-03.