“Unidos Hablemos” – description of a virtual conference series to engage the Hispanic and Latino community in asthma and COVID-19 education and research

Abstract

Abstract Background Inequity in asthma and COVID-19 outcomes and research among Hispanic or Latino individuals is well established. Patient centered outcomes research (PCOR) may help address these inequalities. This report describes the development, implementation, and evaluation of a virtual conference series program titled “Unidos Hablemos de/United, Let’s Talk About” intended to address the health literacy of the Hispanic/Latino community regarding asthma and COVID-19 and to encourage involvement in PCOR. Methods A Project Advisory Group consisting of Hispanic/Latino patient advisors who had been diagnosed with asthma and/or COVID-19, healthcare providers, researchers, a Hispanic faith-based leader, and a program evaluator designed and implemented a six-month series of monthly one-hour virtual sessions. Speakers and topics were selected that fit the Hispanic/Latino community and culture regarding asthma, COVID-19, and PCOR. Recruitment was through a multichannel digital promotion strategy, including social media. The virtual sessions were free on the ZOOM webinar platform and included interactive polling questions, live chat box, and Q&A. All audio and written materials from the sessions were translated into Spanish and English. Evaluations were used to rate the overall satisfaction with the program. Results An average of 382 participants attended each of the six sessions, and participation generally increased with each session. The proportion of participants who considered themselves a Hispanic/Latino patient with asthma, caregiver, or clergy who served Hispanic/Latino communities increased by 100% from session one to session two. Preference for materials in Spanish ranged from 12 to 20% of participants over the six sessions. Among the sessions, 74–84% of polling question respondents indicated they would be willing to participate in research or a study, and 88% said they would be willing to serve as a patient partner/advocate. Program evaluations consistently indicated high satisfaction with the session content, session format, and feeling of inclusion. Conclusions Unidos Hablemos provided a voice to the Hispanic/Latino community that will inform future strategies to improve equity in asthma management, COVID-19, and PCOR. Patient speakers generated trust from the participants and “bridged the gap” between physicians, researchers, and the Hispanic/Latino community. Providing evidence-based, current information will empower patients and caregivers to make informed healthcare decisions.

Keywords

• Asthma
• Hispanic
• Disparities
• Inequalities
• Virtual
• COVID-19