Bonner, Timethia

ABSTRACT Introduction Community health workers (CHWs) help patients navigate community resources. CHW programs can improve health outcomes and reduce healthcare utilization, but identifying eligible patients is challenging. We developed an electronic health record (EHR)‐based algorithm trained to predict referrals to a CHW program. Our objective was to evaluate whether an algorithm trained on historical referrals identifies a subgroup of patients that differs from the subgroup identified through questionnaire‐based health‐related social needs (HRSN) screening alone. Methods This analysis used data from Mayo Clinic primary care patients in Southeast Minnesota. We developed a gradient boosted time‐to‐event model that incorporated demographics, diagnoses, HRSN questionnaire responses, and HRSNs derived from clinical notes using natural language processing. We compared the characteristics of algorithm‐identified patients with those identified through questionnaires and assessed the variable importance of model features. Results The algorithm had AUC: 0.87 in the training and 0.92 in the hold out set. Patients flagged by the algorithm tended to use interpreter services more commonly (12.6% vs. 1.3%), have a non‐English preferred language (14.1% vs. 2.3%), and have more instances of health literacy documented (5.36 vs. 1.29) compared to patients identified by the HRSN questionnaire. Only 47.0% of patients flagged by the algorithm had responded to the HRSN questionnaire within 2 years. Variable importance was highest for health literacy and financial strain from unstructured notes. Conclusions The algorithm is a chart‐review prioritization tool for referral to the CHW program for patients that may overcome challenges to identifying patients with HRSNs, especially when questionnaire data is incomplete.

Abstract Background: Despite the decline in overall mortality and incidence of cancer in the US population, the burden of cancer is still high, especially in underserved and under-researched populations. A major contributor to poor cancer outcomes is the absence of dedicated efforts utilizing scientifically rigorous approaches and implementation strategies to optimize participant enrollment and accrual in clinical trials. The Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials (CP2CT) program implements innovative multilevel interventions to enhance clinical trial awareness and optimize referral pathways that facilitate patient enrollment. The CP2CT Data, Evaluation, and Coordinating Center (DECC) supports its data and evaluation activities, and coordinates a learning collaborative towards mitigating the key barriers of cancer burden in all populations. Methods: Using an implementation science-informed approach, the DECC deployed coordinated strategies over three years: (1) administrative structuring through streamlined governance, centralized reporting, and stakeholder integration; (2) data standardization via Common Data Elements (CDEs), a cross-network REDCap system, and a multi-institution Data Transfer Agreement (DTA); (3) evaluation infrastructure through a Network Logic Model, evaluation plan, standardized constructs, and a Process Evaluation Plan with tools; (4) learning supports through an internal website and expanded Speaker Series; and (5) site-level implementation facilitation through structured visits. Results: In collaboration with the CP2CT Network and NCI, the DECC’s achievements span four domains: (1) Administrative: built infrastructure, deployed centralized reporting platforms, coordinated key meetings, and strengthened community integration. (2) Data: standardized collection, secured network-wide data sharing through the DTA, enabled harmonized multi-site reporting, and advanced groundwork for interoperability and scientific value. (3) Program Evaluation: linked CP2CT activities to measurable outcomes through a Network-wide Logic Model, guided evaluation, established shared evaluation language, and launched a transferable Process Evaluation framework. (4) Learning Collaborative: developed a centralized resource hub, expanded the Speaker Series, and advanced authorship transparency with the CP2CT Publication Policy. < Conclusion: The CP2CT DECC has established a sustainable, scalable infrastructure that integrates administrative coordination, standardized data collection, robust program evaluation, and a collaborative learning environment. These efforts enhance clinical trial awareness, optimize referral pathways, and provide a transferable model for improving participant enrollment and scientific rigor across national research networks, ultimately addressing disparities in cancer outcomes. Citation Format: Laura E. Lectora, Cristina J. Orozco, Holly A. Thorson, Timethia Bonner, Robert R. Freimuth, Jennifer G. Le-Rademacher, Folakemi T. Odedina. Building a national network coordination center for clinical trials: Early implementation outcomes from the CP2CT DECC [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 899.

Abstract Background: Multidisciplinary research networks often face challenges in harmonizing metrics and measures across participating sites, limiting the ability to aggregate data and generate generalizable insights. To address this barrier within the Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials (CP2CT) Network, the Data, Evaluation, and Coordinating Center (DECC) coordinated the establishment of a unified framework that supports comparable evaluation and enhances the scientific impact of network-wide activities. Methods: Consensus was developed through a structured, iterative, and collaborative process: (1) drafting initial constructs, metrics, measures, and benchmarks informed by Network site materials and relevant literature; (2) soliciting qualitative and quantitative feedback from Network sites via Basecamp, an innovative online collaborative workspace for construct development; (3) conducting open dialogue sessions followed by systematic review and integration of site feedback; and (4) refining all elements through repeated feedback cycles until no further modifications were requested. Each iteration strengthened the clarity, coherence, and scientific precision of the final constructs. Results: A total of seven constructs were incorporated into the consensus-development process: clinical trials referral, clinical trials accrual, participants’ awareness of clinical trials, participants’ knowledge of clinical trials, providers’ awareness of NCI-supported clinical trials, providers’ engagement with NCI-supported clinical trials, and providers’ referral to NCI-supported clinical trials. For each construct, the Network established a conceptual definition (broad description of the construct), an operational definition (specification of how the construct is measured or observed), benchmarks (standards for assessing performance), metrics (quantitative indicators of performance), and measures (tools used to quantify inputs, processes, or outcomes). Common measures were developed for two constructs—clinical trials accrual and participants’ knowledge of clinical trials. Although full consensus was not achieved across all four Network sites for every construct, at least three sites reached consensus for the remaining five constructs. Conclusion: This consensus-building initiative resulted in the development of a unified, scientifically grounded framework. By harmonizing key elements related to clinical trial referral, accrual, awareness, knowledge, and provider engagement, the Network has established foundational tools that enable cross-site data comparability and facilitate more rigorous assessment of efforts to connect diverse patient populations to clinical trials. This framework positions the Network to inform strategies that improve equitable clinical trial participation. Citation Format: Folakemi T. Odedina, Jennifer Le-Rademacher, Robert Freimuth, Cristina Orozco, Laura Lectora, Timethia Bonner, Holly Thorson, Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials(CP2CT) Program Evaluation Work Group, Connecting Patient Populations to Clinical Trials(CP2CT) Steering Committee. Development of and consensus building towards shared metrics, measures and benchmarks for the connecting patient populations to clinical trials (CP2CT) [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 860.

Abstract Introduction: Attending to survivorship including distress in the contexts of social drivers (SDH) is critical but lacking. In response, this novel research on Black CaP survivors (CaPS) aims to measure SDH distresses and assess utility of a digital intervention to inform survivorship studies, practice and outcomes. Method: Informed by the Science of Survivorship, and our pilot study with multisectoral stakeholders, we assessed SDH and acceptability/utility of a digital Survivorship Care (SC) Toolkit. SCToolkit is a digitized whole-person care with guidance from multisectoral stakeholders e.g., clinicians and survivors. SCToolkit includes: ASCO informed treatment summary template for diagnostics, treatments, side effects, care team, genetics, and comorbidities, and patient active guide on survivorship concerns, provider communication, health advisories, survivorship care booklet, SDH FINDHELP resource, and survivorship videos. SCToolkit was delivered via survivors’ personal REDCap file, and can be uploaded to their EMR patient portal for easy-to-use survivorship roadmap accessible on smartphones, laptops, and computers. Motivational Interviewing was provided via Zoom to facilitate digital efficacy and SCToolkit use. Descriptive analyses were conducted using SAS. Citation Format: Kimlin Ashing, Floyd Willis, Christopher Williams, John McCall, Gaole Song, Douglas Adu-Fokuo, Erika Galdamez, Fornati Bedell, Cassandra N. Moore, EWAN COBRAN, Che Ngufor, Kathleen J. Yost, Timethia J. Bonner, Getachew Dagne, Arnold Merriweather, Ernest T. Kaninjing, Rotimi Oladapo, Roxana S. Dronca, Folakemi T. Odedina. Examining contextual distress and utility of a digital survivorship care toolkit [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2026; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2026 Apr 17-22; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2026;86(7 Suppl):Abstract nr 880.

Abstract Introduction: Advances in treatment have led to significant increases in survival rates, with over 90% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer (CaP) living at least five years. However, surviving cancer and its treatment often weigh a hefty survivorship burden. Men from the at-risk, vulnerable populations have the greatest burden. This study aims to understand distress among Black CaP survivors (CaPS) who bear the heaviest CaP burden. Method: We conducted key informant interviews with Motivational Interviewing techniques to collect CaPS demographic information, medical history, and multilevel distress evaluation. Descriptive analyses were conducted using SAS. Results: A total of 22 CaPS (aged from 48 to 72) were involved in the study. The majority of CaPS were African American (90.9%) and were diagnosed with stage 2 (31.8%) or stage 3 (36.4%). Over half of them (68.2%) were treated by surgery; most CaPS (90.9%) experienced side effects from prostate cancer treatments. CaPS reported distress in the following domains: Emotional well-being (e.g., Feeling sad, depressed or anxious, mental health) – 40.9%, Death of someone very close to you (e.g., family) – 36.4%, Alcohol use in close family – 36.4%, Experiences of discrimination or racism – 36.4%, Healthcare costs and coverage (e.g., medication, medical services, copay, insurance premium) – 31.8%, Loneliness and isolation – 27.3%, Serious injury/illness in close family (e.g., being a caregiver) – 27.3%, Money and finance – 22.7%, Using telehealth (e.g., using a smartphone or tablet for telephone or over the computer, clinic visit, patient portal, completing online forms, virtual classes) – 22.7%, Marriage, romantic relationships – 22.7%. Discussion: Black CaP survivors (CaPS) who bear the heaviest CaP burden are considered a priority population for research and care. These CaPS identified that their psychological distress was related to both familial and socioeconomic issues. The most endorsed life-stresses included emotional wellbeing, experiences of discrimination/racism, loneliness and isolation, healthcare cost/finance, family health, personal relationship, and telehealth use. The distress data as measured by the life-stress scale are invaluable in better documenting and addressing distress in interventions responsive to specific priority communities. Our novel findings suggest the relevance of grief and loss for these men. 36% reported death of someone close, and 27% indicated distress due to loneliness and isolation. Though the sample size was small, the distress data obtained may inform the science and practice of whole-person survivorship that consider distress emphasizing emotional wellbeing. The study is ongoing, and this abstract presents preliminary results; further muti-variate analyses will be conducted for the conference presentation. Citation Format: Kimlin Ashing, Floyd Willis, Chris Williams, John Mccall, Gaole Song, Fornati Bedell, Cassandra Moore, Ewan Cobran, Che Ngufor, Timethia Bonner, Getachew Dagne, Arnold Merriweather, Ernie Kaninjing, Rotimi Oladapo, Roxana Dronca, Fullwood Dottington, Folakemi Odedina. Whole person survivorship: Multilevel distress in prostate cancer survivors from priority communities [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr A024.

Abstract Background: Black women continue to face disproportionate mortality and long-term challenges after breast cancer treatment, including gaps in follow-up care, culturally relevant support, and access to survivorship resources. Digital tools designed with Black survivors in mind remain limited, despite their potential to reduce disparities in post-treatment engagement. Objective: To address these gaps, we developed HERCaRE (Health Equity Resources for Breast Cancer Responsive Education), a progressive web application (PWA) designed to deliver culturally responsive survivorship education and engagement tools to Black breast cancer survivors. HERCaRE was designed to meet the need for a culturally responsive, easily accessible resource that empowers survivors to engage more confidently in their post-treatment care. Methods: The concept for HERCaRE was informed by a previous pilot study on virtual breast health education, in which participants expressed the need for more sustained and accessible support for survivors. Building on that insight, the platform was developed with advisory input from Black breast cancer survivors and community advocates through informal, discussion-based feedback. While not a formal co-design process, this input helped ensure cultural relevance in tone, structure, and visual language. HERCaRE includes three core features: educational modules on key survivorship topics, interactive behavior-prompting activities, and a notes section for self-reflection and goal tracking. The platform is grounded in the Health Promotion Model and RE-AIM framework, providing a foundation for future implementation and evaluation. The platform is currently being prepared for pilot testing, which will assess usability, perceived relevance, and engagement frequency among Black breast cancer survivors. Mixed-method surveys and platform analytics will guide refinement ahead of broader implementation. Preliminary Insights: Early input emphasized the importance of affirming, plain-language content and simple navigation. Activities were designed to promote exploration of the educational material and personal health behaviors through simple, self-guided prompts. Current efforts are focused on content finalization, participant recruitment, and platform readiness for testing. Conclusion: HERCaRE offers a responsive, theory-informed approach to digital survivorship support for Black women. While still in the pre-implementation phase, its development reflects a commitment to accessible design, cultural alignment, and future scalability. The platform lays important groundwork for reducing disparities in survivorship care and expanding digital health tools that center the needs of historically underserved populations. HERCaRE’s modular design and emphasis on user experience position it for adaptation across diverse clinical and community settings, including integration into survivorship programs serving other medically underserved populations. Citation Format: Manisha Salinas, Timethia Bonner, Laura Pacheco-Spann, Oluwadamilola Oladeru, Dianne Townsend, Che Ngufor. A culturally tailored digital health platform to improve breast cancer survivorship for Black women: HERCaRE [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 18th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities; 2025 Sep 18-21; Baltimore, MD. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2025;34(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B048.

Perioperative health inequities remain a critical issue, contributing to unequal patient outcomes and financial costs despite increasing awareness and efforts to address these disparities. This systematic review evaluated anesthesiology literature from 2010 to 2023 on perioperative health care disparities related to race, ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status. The review aimed to identify gaps and propose research and opportunities for intervention. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, with studies included if they focused on perioperative disparities in the United States, were published in anesthesiology journals, and met criteria for methodological rigor. The review was registered with International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO); data extraction followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and study quality was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa scale. Out of 1050 abstracts screened, 116 articles were reviewed for full text, with 59 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Included studies comprised retrospective cohort studies, cross-sectional analyses, a case-control study, and a randomized controlled trial, covering various surgical procedures and sample sizes from 100 to over 21 million patients. Disparities were noted in peripartum management (n = 14), mortality (n = 12), complications (n = 8), regional anesthesia use (n = 6), and pain management (n = 3), with evidence of poorer outcomes in Black and Hispanic women, older adolescents, and patients who were uninsured or on Medicaid. This review highlights the persistence of significant perioperative disparities and identifies gaps, such as limited exploration of the causes of these disparities, limited examination of disparities during the preoperative and intraoperative period, and few interventions to address these identified disparities. Reducing these disparities requires stakeholder engagement, multifaceted approaches, culturally agile training for health care teams, enhanced decision support tools, and a more diverse health care workforce. Continued research and targeted interventions at individual, community, and societal levels are essential for improving perioperative outcomes.

Abstract In the US and globally, Black men experience the highest prostate cancer burden among all racial and ethnic groups, underscoring the urgent need for research to guide the development and implementation of culturally tailored strategies aimed at reducing disparities and improving outcomes. In response, the Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) Consortium was created to advance health equity and reduce disparities in prostate cancer. Importantly, a Survivorship Care Plan (SCP) is recommended to educate and empower patients, enabling them to be better informed about their cancer diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship care recommendations. To date, there is no SCP targeted to Black prostate cancer survivors (CaPS) who have the greatest disparities with the poorest survivorship outcomes (ACS F&F; AACR HD Report; Fullwood, 2024). Therefore, we aimed to develop a SCP tailored for Black men. Addressing the unique needs of Black men require a genuine bidirectional relationship between scientist and the community rooted in community engaged research (CER). The SCP was first informed by the literature (Bonner, 2024) and the ASCO template (canceradvocacy.org). With input from the iCCaRE leadership and the Partnership Engagement Services (PES) Core, the Whole Person SCP better responds to the informational, clinical and quality of life needs of Black Prostate Cancer survivors. Based on CER, we included 22 diverse, Black CaPs to further guide and tailor the iCCaRE. Our findings indicate that the iCCaRE Survivorship Care Plan (SCP) enhanced the ASCO template by incorporating and expanding several unique domains, including family history, care team contacts, follow-up and surveillance, symptoms, quality of life, survivor concerns, major comorbidities, health advisories, and culturally relevant resources, creating a comprehensive, whole-person SCP tailored specifically for Black men. It is crucial to continue to improve support for clinical research and advocate for Black men and their communities to reduce prostate cancer burden. Prostate cancer also needs to include incidence, mortality, and disparities for Black men to raise awareness of scarcely studied field of Black men and prostate cancer survivorship. Citation Format: Kimlin Tam Ashing, Timethia Bonner, Ewan K. Cobran, Folakemi Odedina, Aj Merriweather, Ernie Kaninjing, Floyd Willis, Cassandra Moore, Joanne Oliver, Fornati Bedell, John McCall. Advancing health equity and reducing disparities in prostate cancer in Black men: iCCaRE [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 994.

While studies have evaluated the utility of telehealth in replacing in-person clinical encounters, there is a dearth of literature examining the quality of patient-physician communication with telehealth encounters. Accordingly, this study assessed the feasibility of using virtual cardiology clinical encounters to examine patient-physician interaction, communication, and perceptions of the clinical encounter. Telemedicine cardiology clinical encounters were audio- and video-recorded following the encounter, patients, and cardiologists completed an electronic survey to assess perceptions of the encounter. Qualitative analysis of the communication and statistical analysis of the survey data was conducted, providing descriptive data. The study included 11 patient-physician dyads; all patients were non-Hispanic White. Cardiologists were more racially and ethnically diverse (63% Asian). Most patients agreed telemedicine was comparable to in-person encounters (85.7%), with all cardiologists reporting that patients appeared satisfied with the encounter. We utilized an assessment tool to examine patient-physician communication in the recorded virtual encounters. This study suggests examining patient-physician communication using virtual clinical encounters is feasible, although there are barriers that need addressing for larger studies.

Abstract Intro: Compared to white men, Black men bear the highest burden of prostate cancer, experiencing a higher incidence and mortality rate, and poorer survivorship outcomes. Although prioritized, survivorship and quality of life (QOL) are under-studied in the fight against prostate cancer disparities. To address this issue, clinicians, researchers, and community advocates have formed the Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) Consortium for Black Men. iCCaRE’s goal is to advance the science and practice of survivorship focused on the needs of Black men and their loved ones affected by prostate cancer. Methods: We developed a survivorship care plan (SCP) tailored to the whole person's needs. IRB-approved qualitative methods to preliminarily gain evaluation and guidance on the SCP. The SCP presented content in the following areas: diagnosis and treatment, follow-up care/surveillance, family history, care team, major co-morbidities, symptoms and quality of life, survivorship concerns, and health advisories. Results: 23 Black prostate cancer survivors (PCS) participated and provided feedback on the SCP Mean age was 64 years. PCS diagnosed between 2018-2023 between stages 1-4. The Majority of PCS were provided information for follow-up and side effects. But none had received a comprehensive SCP All agreed that the SCP would contribute to enhancing cancer knowledge, patient activation, and shared decision, and their QOL, if the SCP was obtained. A survivor noted “having inspirational quotes throughout the SCP is important”. An unforeseen consequence to the interviews was the emotional release for the men, justifying the need for the SCP and an expansion of its scope. Domains that the men wanted more contents were social support, sexuality, masculinity, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. All PCS understood the value of having trusted family and friends to bear the burden of the disease despite some not having a solid support system. PCS emphasized the role of family support stating, “my wife and children helped me stay positive”. Another critical lifestyle component that survivors mentioned was their sexuality and how it directly reflects their masculinity. Although PCS adapted to other forms of intimacy like couples’ activities and stronger communication with their partners, majority of men struggle with adapting to their sexual performance. A quote by a survivor encompasses the mindset expressed by many of the men fear “Like a track star in his prime who can’t run anymore”. Erectile Dysfunction can lead to fear and anxiety among survivors, ultimately affecting QOL. Lastly, PCS wanted more options to stay fit and healthy. Further research and resources are needed to address survivor concerns in this area. Discussion: Overall, PCS have acknowledged that the SCP can assist them in these areas of concern, but more research is required. Life after prostate cancer treatment is an ongoing process; while some survivors cope better than others, it is evident a need for more information and guidance is not being provided to all those affected. Citation Format: James Morrison, Kimlin Ashing, Gaole Song, John McCall, Timethia J. Bonner, Che Ngufor, Getachew A. Dagne, Arnold Merriweather, Ewan Cobran, Cassandra N. Moore, Fornati Bedell, Rotimi Oladapo, Floyd B. Willis, JoAnne S. Oliver, Ernie Kaninjing, Roxana Dronca, Folakemi T. Odedina. iCCaRE qualitative interviews for Black prostate cancer survivors and quality of life [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 C042.