Establishing a Spanish Focused Advanced Care Planning Educational Session for Latina Breast Cancer Survivors

Introduction: In this exploratory, qualitative study, a focus group was conducted with Latina breast cancer survivors and patients to explore their feedback on how a culturally, sensitive educational session looks like, and whether a Spanish-speaking advanced care planning (ACP) educational session might be able to identify barriers for promoting awareness and discussion of ACP. Methods: First, the educational session informed participants on ACP, specifically an advanced directive (AD) and barriers that contribute to decreased rates in ACP among Latino populations. Second, a group interview was facilitated by the project lead using a semi structured interview guide. Results: Eight Latina cancer survivors or patients participated in the educational session. Thematic analysis revealed four themes: 1) Familial Involvement 2) Need for Advanced Care Planning Education 3) Addressing Language and Cultural Barriers and 4) Culturally Sensitive and Informative Resources. Conclusion: A Spanish focused educational session may reduce current barriers that hinder ACP conversations, and may lead to increased rates of participants engaging in AD documentation.