EP15.04 DEVELOPING A CONTEXT-BASED SUPPORTIVE CARE INTERVENTION FOR INFORMAL CAREGIVERS AND PATIENTS WITH ADULT-TYPE DIFFUSE GLIOMA GRADE 4

Abstract BACKGROUND There is a high prevalence of unmet needs affecting both informal caregivers and patients with adult-type diffuse glioma grade 4. Recognizing the impact of unmodifiable demographic and clinical factors affecting patients’ health-related quality of life, this study aims to develop a supportive care intervention for patients and informal caregivers tailored to local care system specifics. MATERIAL AND METHODS A qualitative approach utilizing focus group interviews was employed, involving healthcare professionals (HCPs) from diverse stakeholders in Region Västra Götaland, Sweden. The interviews, conducted physically and digitally from November 2024 to March 2025, utilized semi-structured guides designed to last up to two hours, ensuring participants could engage during their working hours. Based on local clinical workflows, we approached the chief staff at 12 healthcare units and 6 municipal and community services (including healthcare organizations within county and municipal jurisdiction). Participants were recruited by email. The inclusion criteria were HCPs with direct experience in caring for patients with glioma grade 4 or those who are in regular contact with informal caregivers. Data analysis is ongoing, using manifest content analysis. RESULTS Twelve chief staff granted us access to their HCPs. A total of 12 focus groups were conducted including 44 HCPs. The sample included 35 (79%) participants from four hospitals under county jurisdiction, and 9 (21%) participants from units under municipal jurisdiction. In our sample eleven (25%) HCPs had up to five years’ experience, 18 (41%) had between 5 to 10 years of work experience, and 15 (34%) had more than ten years of experience in caring for patients with glioma grade 4 or their informal caregivers. The sample included 18 (41%) nurses, 10 (23%) social workers, six (14%) physicians, three (7%) physiotherapists, three (7%) occupational therapists, two (4%) psychologists, one (2%) speech therapist, and one (2%) nutritionist. Additionally, five (11%) of the HPCs had executive or leading responsibilities. Emergent themes were (i) the role of contact nurses within and between care units and sections; (ii) the value of multidisciplinary teamwork; and (iii) extending service overlap across different units and sections. CONCLUSION Although conclusions are pending further analysis, the findings underscore the need for improved alignment between HCPs’ intentions and patients’ expectations across various healthcare settings. Additionally, there appears to be a lack of alignment among HCPs’ intentions between different units and sections. An advisory board comprising researchers, healthcare professionals, patients, and informal caregivers will review our findings before publication.