Psychotherapy Intervention for Latinos with Advanced Cancer

This project has four phases. In the first phase, the study team will work to adapt and transcreate (the source text is rewritten to convey the concepts and achieve the aims of the source text, while accounting for both language and cultural considerations) the manual based on the R21 CA180831 findings. In the second phase, mental health providers will be interviewed to explore additional needed adaptations. In the third phase, key components of the intervention will be pre-piloted with patients. The fourth phase will consist of an RCT pilot study to further adapt and tailor MCP-L for Spanish-speaking patients, evaluate the preliminary effects, and to explore its acceptability and feasibility. Phase 1: Initial Adaptation. The first phase of the adaptation will be conducted by the PI, her mentors and collaborators (FG, GB, EC, CJG). This team will review the intervention manual and plan how to adapt the manual incorporating the findings of the R21. The adaptations will be highlighted and comments will be kept in the margin. The team will maintain fidelity to the intervention concepts, goals, and theoretical model, while adapting it to the language, metaphors, intervention strategies, cultural context and values that will be acceptable to the Latino cultural group. Members of the team (RCM, FG, EC, CJG) will independently review the manual and then consensus meetings will be held to discuss every session of the manual, provide feedback and discuss further modifications until consensus is reached. GB will review the text to ensure that the adaptation considered the dimensions of the EVF. CJG (linguistic advisor) will review both versions of the manual and make recommendations to maintain non-regional language, low reading level and linguistic similarity. Because there are differences in Spanish by regions, the initial translation will be reviewed by professionals from different backgrounds (Puerto Rico, Mexico, Spain, Argentina, and Nicaragua) to ensure the manual would be comprehensible across diverse Latino cultures. Phase 2: Key Informant Feedback (Aim 1a). The PI then will conduct video conference interviews with 15 key informants (mental health professionals, MHP). The MHP will be recruited from the membership directory of FIPOL, (stands for Training on Psychosocial Oncology Research for Latino-America in Spanish) which is an international network developed by the PI that aims to connect Latino-serving psycho-oncologists, clinicians, and researchers interested in Psychosocial Oncology. Through FIPOL 525 clinicians, researchers, and trainees from Spain, Latin America, and USA receive newsletters, announcements and invitations to a remote monthly seminar. The PI is a founding member, part of the steering committee, and has access to the registry. Based on recommendations of Guest and colleagues we will recruit 15 providers using purposive sampling. The purposive sampling selection of data involves choosing information-rich cases that provide valuable information about the central issues or the purpose of research. Eligible providers are: (1) professionals working in the mental health field; (2) with a caseload of five or more Latino cancer patients per month; and (3) able to communicate and read in Spanish.