Author information

¹Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA. Jessica.Riverarivera@moffitt.org.

²Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA.

³Department of Cancer Epidemiology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA.

⁴Center for Immunization and Infection Research in Cancer, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA.

⁵Center for Digital Health, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA.

⁶Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, USA. Susan.Vadaparampil@moffitt.org.

Abstract

We evaluated the acceptability of a patient activation toolkit for hepatitis C virus (HCV) testing amidst universal adult guidelines. We developed a patient-facing toolkit that included a letter to the patient from their healthcare provider, HCV factsheet, and question prompt list, which contained questions for their provider about HCV infection and testing. We conducted qualitative interviews with patients ages 18-78 (n = 17), using a semi-structured interview guide based on learner verification. We assessed attraction, comprehension, cultural-linguistic acceptability, self-efficacy, and persuasiveness of toolkit materials using direct content analysis. Participants reported materials were attractive, offering suggestions to improve readability. They reported some understanding of materials but requested use of less medical jargon, particularly for the factsheet. Participants discussed cultural acceptability and suggested ways to improve language inclusiveness and comfort with content, given stigma surrounding HCV risk factors. Participants reported that including a letter, factsheet, and QPL improved the persuasiveness of materials, and they conveyed their motivation to be tested for HCV. Results indicate preliminary acceptability for use of the patient activation toolkit, which will be refined based on participants' recommendations. Overall, this patient activation toolkit holds promise for increasing HCV testing rates.