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Published in:

01-06-2012

Closing the Loop: Action Research in a Multimodal Hereditary Cancer Patient Conference is an Effective Tool to Assess and Address Patient Needs

Authors: Carin R. Espenschied, Deborah J. MacDonald, Julie O. Culver, Sharon Sand, Karen Hurley, Kimberly C. Banks, Jeffrey N. Weitzel, Kathleen R. Blazer

Published in: Journal of Cancer Education | Issue 3/2012

Abstract

This paper describes the use of action research in a patient conference to provide updated hereditary cancer information, explore patient and family member needs and experiences related to genetic cancer risk assessment (GCRA), elicit feedback on how to improve the GCRA process, and inform future research efforts. Invitees completed GCRA at City of Hope or collaborating facilities and had a BRCA mutation or a strong personal or family history of breast cancer. Action research activities were facilitated by surveys, round table discussions, and reflection time to engage participants, faculty, and researchers in multiple cycles of reciprocal feedback. The multimodal action research design effectively engaged conference participants to share their experiences, needs, and ideas for improvements to the GCRA process. Participants indicated that they highly valued the information and resources provided and desired similar future conferences. The use of action research in a patient conference is an innovative and effective approach to provide health education, elicit experiences, identify and help address needs of high-risk patients and their family members, and generate research hypotheses. Insights gained yielded valuable feedback to inform clinical care, future health services research, and continuing medical education activities. These methods may also be effective in other practice settings.

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Title: Closing the Loop: Action Research in a Multimodal Hereditary Cancer Patient Conference is an Effective Tool to Assess and Address Patient Needs
Authors: Carin R. Espenschied
Deborah J. MacDonald
Julie O. Culver
Sharon Sand
Karen Hurley
Kimberly C. Banks
Jeffrey N. Weitzel
Kathleen R. Blazer
Publication date: 01-06-2012
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Journal of Cancer Education / Issue 3/2012
Print ISSN: 0885-8195
Electronic ISSN: 1543-0154
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13187-012-0373-9

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