Digital health use among Black patients with pancreatic cancer: Insights to inform culturally responsive clinical trial engagement.

142 Background: Black patients with pancreatic cancer remain significantly underrepresented in clinical trials, contributing to persistent disparities in outcomes. While digital health tools hold promise for improving clinical trial communication and engagement, limited data exist on technology access, preferences, and readiness among Black patients with pancreatic cancer. As part of the PROmoting CLinicAl TrIal EngageMent for Pancreatic Cancer App (PROCLAIM) Study, a multi-phase initiative to develop a mobile health (mHealth) intervention, this study explored participants’ digital engagement patterns and information preferences to inform culturally responsive trial communication strategies. Methods: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 Black adults diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at the Medical College of Wisconsin (n = 6) and the University of North Carolina (n = 9) between June and August 2024. They ranged in age from 38 to 81years and included 9 females and 6 males. Topics included device ownership, digital health behaviors, patient portal use, and preferences for receiving information about clinical trials. Interviews were audio-recorded, professionally transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis in Dedoose. Multiple researchers independently coded transcripts using consensus procedures to ensure thematic reliability. Results: Fourteen of 15 participants owned smartphones, though levels of digital literacy varied. Three key themes emerged: (1) Patient portal reliance and barriers – While MyChart (Epic Systems' patient portal) was widely utilized, 7 of 15 participants reported requiring assistance (e.g., “My daughter checks it for me I don’t go in there much.”); (2) Supplement, not replace – Participants expressed preference for digital tools that enhanced provider interaction rather than served as substitutes (e.g., “I want to hear it from my doctor, not just read it.”); (3) Platform integration over app novelty – Participants preferred digital tools embedded within trusted and familiar platforms like MyChart. Barriers included complex interfaces and technology anxiety. Facilitators encompassed family support and provider endorsement. Conclusions: Initiatives to enhance clinical trial engagement through digital tools should: (1) build upon existing patient portals, (2) accommodate varying levels of digital literacy, and (3) support, rather than replace, provider relationships. These findings inform design principles for mHealth interventions that reflect the lived experiences and digital preferences of Black people with pancreatic cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT06252545 .