Impact of Navigation on Knowledge and Attitudes About Clinical Trials Among Chinese Patients Undergoing Treatment for Breast and Gynecologic Cancers

Racial, ethnic and economic disparities in cancer rates, outcomes, and clinical trials participation persist despite significant research. We examined barriers to clinical trials enrollment among Chinese patients, and developed a navigation program for Chinese gynecologic and breast cancer patients. Six bilingual navigators were trained and a navigator assigned to each patient for at least 2 months. All patients received a clinical trials booklet in Chinese and English. Data collection included pre-and post-navigation surveys, intake forms, and documentation of navigation encounters. Between July 2010 and May 31, 2011, we recruited 28 breast and gynecologic cancer patients. Patients averaged 317 min of navigation (range 63–1,852) during 8 sessions (range 3–28). They improved in 4 of 10 true–false knowledge statements about clinical trials. A patient navigation program for Chinese-speaking cancer patients is feasible. It results in high patient satisfaction rates and modest improvements in clinical trials knowledge and participation.