Abstract CN37
Background
Molecular tests are the basis of precision medicine and can provide specific treatment for cancer. These tests are regularly proposed, but are caregivers and patients sufficiently informed?
Methods
The association Onco-Partage involved in health literacy carried out a knowledge survey on the subject with a panel of caregivers and patients. Based on this observation, it has co-constructed, in partnership with Roche, a complex program of therapeutic patient education (TPE). Finally, it conducted a new survey to evaluate the interest of this approach.
Results
Between May and June 2020, 92 people completed a patient/caregiver mirror survey ( n = 23 and 69 respectively). Although only 50% of caregivers have received training on precision medicine, its purpose and positioning in the care pathway are clear. However, only 50% report having discussed it with their patients. They feel helpless to answer questions about the technique or significance of the test in an optimal way. As a result, patients have mostly non-professional information and the concept is unclear and anxiogenic. Confusion exists about the indication, technique and meaning of the test and genetic analyses. For more than 1/3 of them, the quality of the information could have reduced this anxiety. Between June and December 2020, the first axis of a TPE of 5 (what is a molecular test? for whom? why? when? how?) was completed. A short video is available for caregivers and patients (who can watch it alone or during a TPE session). Before viewing the video, knowledge and anxiety levels related to the subject are recorded. At the end of the viewing, a short series of questions is used to determine the level of knowledge and the degree of anxiety. Between February and March 2021, pre- and post-viewing responses serve as a second survey (28 caregivers and 57 patients). As a result : 1) caregivers reported being twice as equipped to answer patients' questions; 2) patients had a better understanding and saw a decrease in their anxiety levels; 3) other topics were facilitated by viewing during a TPE session.
Conclusions
Precision medicine is a part of oncology, but it is not an easy concept. TPE is needed in order to reduce patients' anxiety and increase the patient/caregiver relationship.
Clinical trial identification
Editorial acknowledgement
Legal entity responsible for the study
Association Onco-Partage.
Funding
Roche SAS.
Disclosure
A. Garibbo-Sarkissian: Other, Institutional, Sponsor/Funding: Roche. M. Micheloni: Financial Interests, Personal, Officer: Roche. All other authors have declared no conflicts of interest.