Abstract

Introduction: Less than half of eligible Black women are assessed for genetic risk and only 28% engage in recommended HBOC risk-reducing interventions. CHWs are trusted members of the community that work as a liaison between health systems and the community to improve access to services and support cancer prevention efforts, though they are an overlooked to support genetic risk assessment. To address the need and training gaps for CHWs we developed and assessed an online training program called KEEP IT (Keeping Each other Engaged Program via IT). Methods: The curriculum and modules were developed through engaging a panel of experts in a three-round Delphi process. The process led to creation of 10 modules for the training. Recruitment focused on CHWs who worked in clinical settings or groups providing outreach or health services to Black women. Measures of the training were guided by the RE-AIM framework to evaluate the course and its effectiveness. Results: 46 individuals expressed interest in the training after recruitment. 38 individuals were eligible for the training and 26 completed the course. We found improvements in knowledge and genomics competencies immediately post-course, but the majority of these improvements were not sustained at three-months follow up. The training was highly rated for its relevance to CHW work and overall delivery. Top rated sessions included Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer and Family History and Family History Collection. On average, participants reported discussing HBOC with 17 individuals at three-months follow-up. Discussion: Championing a diverse cancer and genomics workforce can help address the goals of the National Cancer Plan to improve early detection and health equity. Through this training, CHWs gained critical cancer and genomics knowledge that was then applied to their primary roles.