Reeves, Chelsea

Abstract Introduction: The Community Engagement Internal Medicine Residents Rotation (IMRR) connects Mayo Clinic Florida (MCF) medical professionals to partners in the Florida catchment area to better understand administrative operations, the referral processes of these organizations and how best they fit the needs of the communities they serve. The goal is to give residents exposure to a more diverse population including rural, Black and Hispanic/Latin as well as connecting them with partners where community- based research is conducted. This IMRR is also designed to encourage cancer-focused community based research (CBR). We learned that the lack of patient diversity at MCF was a drawback to resident recruitment and developing an interest in cancer focused health disparities research. We agreed to assist in this potential solution to the diversity deficit. Methods: The goal for the elective is to provide senior residents with an introduction to community engagement and cancer focused community engaged research. The elective consists of one week of didactics and one of experiential learning. The first week includes an introduction to cancer health disparities in our catchment areas and how to conduct cancer focused CBR. During the second week, residents interact with community partners focused on providing care and cancer education to those who otherwise may not have access to resources. Strategically, these partners are those with whom we are engaged in cancer research initiatives. Internal Medicine Residents (IMR) complete visitation paperwork that included Background Screenings and Sovereign Immunity Contracts. We limit the number of IMR to two in order to accommodate some of the smaller community clinic spaces. IMR visit community partners for no less than a half day each and at the end of the rotation they debrief and complete rotation evaluations. Data: Rotation evaluations aggregated to date indicate 91.67% of IMR feel the rotation meets the goals and objectives. In addition, evaluation comments indicate an improved understanding of population health as well as community resources for improved health and wellness in underserved populations. Anecdotal comments also show evidence of increased understanding of cancer focused CBR and cancer related health disparities. Conclusion: IMMR through community outreach and engagement visits have increased understanding of how partners address varying cancer burden needs. The IMRR has increased residents’ awareness of how environment impacts access to healthcare and improved cost-conscious ordering and treatment plans (medications). IMR better understand the significance of how social determinants of health (SDOH) resources impact community. IMR are better equipped to help patients and their families navigate to additional SDOH solutions and are familiar with the referral process for community safety net resources. The offer of this type of IMRR has enhanced recruitment to MCF training programs and significantly increased IM and fellow participation in cancer focused CBR initiatives and studies. Citation Format: Monica Albertie, Chelsea Reeves, Noreen Stephenson, Folakemi Odedina. Mayo Clinic Cancer Comprehensive Center Community Outreach and Engagement Internal Medicine Residents Rotations [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B035.

Abstract Background: Inclusion of historically underrepresented populations in research has been a problem existing for many years. The recent Covid pandemic has exposed the significant cost of gaps in access to care. There remains a need to reevaluate current research paradigm frameworks to consider tailored approaches that accommodate any location that would ease participant burden and maintain retention. Current decentralized research models include home and mobile options. However, barriers exist, and certain demographics remain elusive to recruitment into research studies. Aim: In this paper, we aim to identify a theoretical framework that will allow for more inclusivity in research. Methodology: Current utilized community-based decentralized research models are compared, barriers in recruitment and retention of interested participants are examined, and a framework individualized to study participants is offered. Results: The proposed framework expands upon the complex adaptive systems theory to incorporate community-based research which considers dividing studies into individual study visit components that may differ in location. It allows for ease of research participant access to care and mutual collaboration among providers and institutions. This new theoretical model expansion outlines a novel approach to community-based participatory research for increased representation and inclusion. Conclusion: Investigators should carefully consider creative and effective solutions to overcome barriers to research participation access, increase diversity and representation, and provide tailored public health interventions. Minimally risk study intervention visits may occur in multiple community-driven locations such as: community resource centers, local physician offices, mobile research units, remote electronic visits, home settings, and a combination of the above (hybrid model). Breaking studies into individual study visit components expands the reach of science into the communities that have long been difficult to reach. Citation Format: Jennifer M. Crook, Manisha Salinas, Parisa Fathi, Jessica Otero Machuca, Emelina Asto Flores, Monica Albertie, Noreen Stephenson, Chelsea Reeves, Folakemi Odedina. Expanding current decentralized research model concepts for targeted community health interventions [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A060.