"Black People Like Me": A virtual conference series to engage underserved patients with asthma in patient centered outcomes research

• Published in: Research involvement and engagement Vol. 9; no. 1; p. 13
• Main Authors: Graham, LeRoy, Hart, Mary, Stinson, Michael, Moise, Rhoda, Mitchell, Lynda, Winders, Tonya A, Gardner, Donna D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England BioMed Central Ltd 24.03.2023; BioMed Central; BMC
• Subjects: Asthma; Black people; Caregivers; Clergy; Clinical trials; Conferences, meetings and seminars; Coronaviruses; COVID-19; Disparities; Health care industry; Human subjects; Inequalities; Medical research; Medical screening; Medicine, Experimental; Nonprofit organizations; Pandemics; Participation; Patient outcomes; Patient-centered outcomes research; Patients; Religion; Religious organizations; Social exclusion; Social networks; Virtual; White people; United States > US; COVID-19; Disparities; Virtual; Patient-centered outcomes research; Inequalities; Asthma
• ISSN: 2056-7529; 2056-7529
• DOI: 10.1186/s40900-023-00428-3

In response to racial inequity in asthma, asthma-related research among diverse patients is vital. However, people from historically marginalized groups are underrepresented in clinical and patient-centered outcomes research (PCOR). The "Black People Like Me" (BPLM) virtual conference series was developed to: (1) engage Black patients with asthma and their caregivers in education and discussions about asthma, and (2) encourage involvement in PCOR. Education about COVID-19 and COVID-19 vaccination was also incorporated. The Project Advisory Group consisting of Black patients, clergy, physicians, and a program evaluator met monthly to develop BPLM. The program consisted of free one-hour virtual sessions held monthly for 6 months. BPLM was promoted through the Allergy & Asthma Network website, emails, social media, and personal contacts with a recruitment goal of ≥ 100 Black patients with asthma or caregivers. Program evaluations, interactive polling questions during each session, and participant pre- and post-session tests were conducted. Sessions averaged 658 participants including Black patients, family members, caregivers, Black clergy, health care providers, and other concerned community. Overall, 77% of participants strongly agreed with satisfaction with the sessions. Pre- and post-tests demonstrated that participants exhibited growth in knowledge regarding asthma risk, PCOR, and PCOR research opportunities for patients, exhibited preexisting and sustained knowledge regarding COVID-19 vaccination and side effects, and demonstrated an increased sense of empowerment during healthcare visits. BPLM demonstrated that a virtual platform can successfully engage Black communities. Incorporating clergy and religious organizations was critical in developing the trust of the Black community towards BPLM.