Past
Projects

Geriatric conditions and the illness experience of adults with multiple myeloma and their care partners

This two-year qualitative dyadic study was funded by the National Cancer Institute, under Grant No. 5-K12-CA120780-13, with Dr. Kim as the principal investigator and Shakira Grant as the scholar. The study enrolled 21 older adult patients, consisting of 11 Black individuals and 10 White individuals, all diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Each patient was paired with an informal adult caregiver. Joint interviews were conducted by a single interviewer, during which the dyads shared their broad perspectives on their experiences with multiple myeloma. The study identified several key themes, including: 

• Functional and quality of life impacts of multiple myeloma 

• Trust, distrust, and mistrust in healthcare experiences 

• Barriers to healthcare access 

• Social support needs in the context of multiple myeloma 

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The findings of this study were presented as an oral presentation at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in 2022, which took place in New Orleans, Louisiana. To access the abstract of the presentation, please click on the following link:  

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Abstract: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2022-165551 

Influence of patient-provider relationships, communication styles and patient preferences on Black patient experiences with clinical trial participation 

This qualitative study received support from the Jimmy V. Foundation for Cancer Research. We conducted in-depth interviews with hematologists at a single academic institution and held focus groups with Black patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Our aim was to gain insights into the perceived barriers faced by Black individuals when it comes to their participation in clinical trials. The following barriers were identified: 

1. Provider bias and stereotyping 

2. Socioeconomic and financial concerns 

3. Geographic and logistical barriers 

4. Mistrust or distrust of research and the healthcare system 

5. Poor patient-provider communication or relationships 

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The findings of our study were presented as oral presentations at the 64th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology in 2022, held in New Orleans, Louisiana. To access the abstracts of the presentations, please follow the links provided below: 

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Abstract 1: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2022-167763 

Abstract 2: https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2022-170394