Mindfulness-based group medical visits: Strategies to improve equitable access and inclusion for diverse patients in cancer treatment.

• DOI: 10.1200/jco.2024.42.16_suppl.e13717
• Publication Date: 2024-05-29T17:43:22Z
• Authors: Chloe Evelyn Atreya; Ivan C. Leung; Maria T. Chao; Ariana Thompson-L...; Christine Pollak; Anand Dhruva; Wendy Hartogensis; Michael Lister; Stephanie W. Cheng; Kavita K. Mishra
• Keywords: group medical visits; Social Determinants of Health; meditation; 610; Clinical sciences; Nursing; mind-body practices; Health Disparities; Good Health and Well Being; Clinical Research; Health Services and Systems; mindfulness-based interventions; Health Sciences; Behavioral and Social Science; Complementary and Integrative Health; Advancing the Science of Integrative Health Equity; Health services and systems; Women's Health; integrative oncology; Minority Health; Mind and Body; Cancer; health equity

e13717 Background: The 2023 Society for Integrative Oncology-ASCO joint guideline recommends mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) as the non-pharmacologic therapy with highest level of evidence to improve anxiety and depression symptoms experienced by adults cancer. However, predominately derives from White breast cancer survivors. Racial ethnic minority patients have less access integrative symptom support worse outcomes. To address these gaps, we designed piloted a series group medical visits (MB-GMVs), embedded into comprehensive care, racially ethnically diverse in treatment. Methods: As quality improvement project, launched telehealth MB-GMV undergoing treatment, delivered four weekly 2-hour billable insurance. Content was concordant evidence-based guidelines established MBIs adapted cultural relevance fit (e.g., access-centered, trauma-informed, inclusive communication practices). Program structure barriers participation, ≥50% slots per reserved racial patients. Intake surveys incorporated demographic questionnaire assessments. Evaluations were sent following visits. Results: In our first ten cohorts (n=78), 80% referred enrolled. Participants were: 22% Asian, 14% Black, 17% Latino, 45% non-Latino White; 65% female; median age 54 years (range 27-79); had metastatic Common baseline included lack energy, difficulty sleeping, worrying. Most (90%) attended ≥3 On final evaluations, 87% rated “excellent”; 81% “strongly agreed” that they liked GMV format; 92% would “definitely” recommend others. Qualitative themes empowerment connectedness. Conclusions: Telehealth GMVs are feasible, acceptable, financially sustainable model increasing MBIs. Diverse active treatment able participate reported high levels satisfaction this tailored center health equity inclusion.