Effect on patient empowerment through the EPEP program.

Abstract

e21009 Background: There is a critical need to support oncology providers seeking to empower their patients and care partners by connecting them to trusted resources. To fill this gap, the Patient Empowerment Network (PEN) created the Empowering Providers to Empower Patients (EPEP) program to improve physician-patient communication and shared decision-making by creating a clear path to support providers in empowering their patients and care partners. Methods: The EPEP program, developed by an interdisciplinary team of experts for oncology health care professionals, launched in March 2023 with a focus on lung cancer resources. The program includes digital resources such as Roundtables (30-minute webinars + segments with leading experts, clinicians, and peers), an HCP Portal (a system that informs and collates vetted resources), a Resource Guide (resource guide for HCPs), and a Roundup Blog (article with key takeaways summarizing program). Following two roundtables in March 2023, we assessed initial provider engagement with EPEP using digital engagement metrics and a five-item questionnaire. Results: Since the launch, 212 oncology providers have access to the suite of digital resources. The content has been viewed and downloaded almost 13,595 times. Surveys conducted following the roundtables indicated that the program was well-received. Of 21 respondents, n=18 (86%) rated their experience as very positive; agreed or strongly agreed that the program gave them the confidence to better facilitate shared decision-making with their patients; and said they found relevant resources to share with their patients and their families. Sample feedback included, “I would say it gave me the confidence to raise the flag on timing. Sometimes we test and are not doing this in a timely way. Thanks for this program.” And “These conversations are so critical. Thank you for a great program.” And, “I thought the conversation was excellent; we need more of this. I thought the tips were spot-on and very helpful.” Providers wanted communication tools focused on the “timing of testing following the initial workup,” “pathology conversations” and “anxiety and fear after the cancer diagnosis, long-term side effects, screening and early detection of lung cancer.” Conclusions: The EPEP program serves as a trusted digital space for providers to objectively share and recommend resources to their oncology patients. The program now includes removing practice barriers that may be caused by a lack of awareness and outdated practices. The long-term goal is to improve physician-patient communication and shared decision-making while also empowering cancer patients and family members to ask informed questions based on where they are in their cancer journey.