204 Advancing our Communal Understanding of Rectal cancer Disparities and Identifying Opportunities for Improvement (ACUeRDO)

Abstract

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Mechanisms underlying racial and ethnic disparities in rectal cancer care remain poorly understood. We aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to care among rectal cancer patients who identify as Hispanic/Latino (H/L) and to understand how these factors may differ based on rurality, social/physical context, and community support. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: We utilized qualitative methods and a community-based participatory research framework, including partnership with a community-based organization and oversight from a community advisory board. We developed an initial semi-structured interview guide based on an ecological model of health behavior and then iteratively refined it with the assistance of our partners to incorporate unique aspects of the H/L community in a culturally appropriate manner. Eligible patients and their caregivers are invited to participate in hour-long interviews in both English and Spanish, depending on participants’ preferences. All interviews are recorded, translated, transcribed, and coded. Findings will be compiled and fed back to participantsand community stakeholders as a part of a community forum. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: We identified 6 areas for discussion based on our model: health beliefs (perceived severity, benefit, and barriers; self-efficacy), health literacy, others’ experiences with cancer, patient-provider relationship (patient-provider communication; provider-provider communication; language; cultural competency; discrimination), sources of support, and access to care. Participants are currently being recruited by clinical providers, through flyers in the cancer center, or via outreach from our community partner. We have interviewed 8 participants to date, with discussions ranging from the shock of the initial diagnosis, difficulties with navigating specialty care, and the complexities of shared decision making. We are expecting a total of 30-40 interviews to reach thematic saturation. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We hope to improve our understanding of mechanisms underlying racial and ethnic disparities in rectal cancer care and to identify potential targets for improvement. We plan to use our results to develop community-based policy interventions to improve care delivery, patient experience, and health equity.