Abstract 35: Acceptability and Perceived Impact of New Pediatric Patient Navigation Program in Rural Rwanda

Purpose: Patient navigation (PN) can promote timely access to care and create seamless flow for patients through the care continuum. PN strategies have not been widely studied in low-income countries or among pediatric cancer patients. We report preliminary acceptability and perceived impact among caregivers and healthcare providers of a new pediatric PN program at a rural hospital in Rwanda. Methods: From March 2020, patients diagnosed with nephroblastoma were supported by a trained navigator who conducted in-depth education for caregivers, coordinated all appointments, and proactively identified and addressed barriers to care. Caregivers were surveyed and interviewed at the end of their child9s treatment; a focus group discussion (FGD) was held with providers six months after implementation. Interviews and FGD were conducted in Kinyarwanda, transcribed and translated to English. Descriptive statistics and the framework method were used to analyze survey and qualitative data, respectively. Results: At the time of analysis, five patients enrolled in PN had completed treatment. All five caregivers were surveyed; three interviewed. Five providers participated in the FGD. Caregivers found PN helpful in understanding the diagnosis and treatment plan, providing emotional support, and linking them to various providers. Providers observed that treatment processes for nephroblastoma patients have become “smoother,” noting increased adherence to treatment appointments, better care coordination and improved advocacy for social support. While some clinicians worried frequent communications with the navigator would be a burden, caregivers viewed them as a source of motivation to continue treatment, despite numerous challenges. Participants suggested PN be expanded to other diagnoses. Conclusion: Early data from end-users of our new pediatric PN program demonstrated high acceptability. Clinicians highlighted specific process challenges that were resolved with PN; caregivers appreciated the continuous logistical and emotional support. Further analyses will evaluate the impact of PN on outcomes and expansion of the program to other diagnoses. Citation Format: Cam Nguyen, Pacifique Uwamahoro, Esperance Benemariya, Oscar Nsanzimana, Louis Mujyuwisha, Lori Buswell, Leslie Lehmann, Cyprien Shyirambere. Acceptability and Perceived Impact of New Pediatric Patient Navigation Program in Rural Rwanda [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 9th Annual Symposium on Global Cancer Research; Global Cancer Research and Control: Looking Back and Charting a Path Forward; 2021 Mar 10-11. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2021;30(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 35.