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Objectives: Telehealth for mental healthcare expanded rapidly with the COVID‐19 pandemic's onset; however, global access disparities emerged. Telehealth challenges and opportunities for Latino cancer patients from different geographical regions must be explored. Methods: A cross‐sectional online survey (March‐July 2021) of mental health providers, serving Latino cancer patients in Latin America, United States, and Spain, contained close‐ended questions related to the use of telehealth during the pandemic and open‐ended questions on recommending/not recommending telehealth. Results: In a sample of 148 providers from 21 countries, 60.5% reported that at least some of their patients had difficulties with Internet speed and connectivity and lacked knowledge about using electronic devices (43.2%) or the Internet (45.4%). Lacking privacy at home (66.0%) and childcare (26.0%) were reported patient challenges. Internet connectivity or speed were issues for providers (43.2%) themselves. Improving patient reach was a reported telehealth benefit (64.2%). Geographical access (43.2%) and physical limitations (35.8%) were considerations in offering telehealth. Considerations for not recommending telehealth were patient age (24.3%) and lacking technological knowledge (29.1%). Conclusions: Telehealth for mental healthcare may improve patient access issues caused by geographical and transportation conditions and patient functionality. Findings provide insight into telehealth benefits and challenges in Latino patient populations. Future studies should examine patient access and use by region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: To contribute to the reduction and elimination of cancer‐related local and global health disparities, interventions must be culturally adapted to reach diverse cultural groups and demonstrate success in improving clinical and psychosocial outcomes. We provide step‐by‐step information on the conceptual and methodological challenges involved in culturally adapting interventions and provide guidelines, suggestions, tools, and concrete steps for implementing the process. Methods: This article provides information, guidelines, suggestions, tools, and concrete steps, based on three rigorous models of cultural adaptations, for implementing this process, followed with examples from the field, to illustrate the conceptual and methodological challenges involved in culturally adapting interventions. Conclusion: Our systematic step‐by‐step approach recommends (1) the guidance of well‐established research models; (2) use of multiple data sources and input from various stakeholders (i.e., from patients and providers); (3) qualitative and quantitative data usage and integration; (4) a steering committee with multiple perspectives, stakeholders assessments, and qualitative analyses; (5) consensus meetings; and (6) diverse representation on the steering committee and/or research team. Key points: Culturally adapting (CA) original evidence‐based interventions is necessary to reach diverse cultural groups and to improve clinical and psychosocial outcomesWe present a step‐by‐step guide based on well‐established models and frameworks for the cultural adaptation of interventionsWe recommend using established research models and qualitative and quantitative data sources that incorporate multiple stakeholder perspectivesOur systematic approach aims to improve the validity and rigor of CA of interventions in patients with cancer [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective.Treatment adherence, with minimal numbers of missed appointments, is an important determinant of survival among cancer patients. This study aims to determine if unmet financial, logistic, and supportive care needs predict self-reported adherence to cancer treatment appointments of chemotherapy and/or radiation among low-income ethnic minority patients. Design.The sample included 1098 underserved Latino and Black patients recruited from cancer clinics in New York City through the Cancer Portal Project. Participants completed a survey which included sociodemographic, health-related questions and a needs assessment, in their preferred language. Patients’ adherence to chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment appointments was assessed using a self-report. Results.A sample of 1098 patients (581 Latino and 517 Black cancer patients) was recruited. Forty-two Latino cancer patients (7.4%) and 78 Black cancer patients (15.5%) reported missing treatment appointments. Patients, who experienced four or more unmet needs (odds ratios [OR] = 2.02–3.36), and those with unmet housing needs (OR = 3.10–3.31), were more likely to report missing cancer treatment appointments, regardless of their ethnicity/race. Black patients with unmet supportive care (OR = 2.27) and health insurance needs (OR = 3.80) were more likely to miss appointments. Amongst Latinos, legal health-related issues (OR = 2.51) was a significant predictor of missed appointments. Conclusions.Among ethnic minority cancer patients, unmet socioeconomic and supportive care needs, housing needs in particular, predicted patient-reported missed radiation, and/or chemotherapy appointments. Future research should focus on exploring the impact of practical and supportive unmet needs on adherence and development of interventions aiming to improve cancer treatment adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]