INNV-31. Development and durability of a peer-led adolescent and young adult (AYA) support group

Abstract INTRODUCTION AYA patients (age 15-39) constitute 14.3% brain tumor (BT) diagnoses annually. These patients frequently report isolation and depression/anxiety while navigating treatment and young adult milestones including finishing education, career initiation, and family planning. Peer-led support groups (SG) may provide emotional support and practical troubleshooting for daily challenges. METHODS 1) Young Adult Brain Tumor Support group (“YABS”) development: Peer facilitators (PFs) received 10-hr training (SG facilitation, peer support, and risk management). A steering committee met monthly, including senior PFs, program manager, adult and pediatric neuro-oncologists, and psychologist. 2) Delivery: YABS was offered to primary BT patients 18-39 yo. PFs led YABS sessions using a video meeting application, without other steering committee members present. Patient participants (PPs) completed registration and feedback surveys. RESULTS 8 YA patients volunteered as PFs. Following training, 100% PFs felt “very well” prepared and “much more” motivated to peer-lead SGs, and 63% volunteered to lead sessions within 3 months of training. Over three years, 163 PPs age 18-42 registered, with age at diagnosis 1–42 (12% </=18 yo). Of 22 PPs that responded to a feedback survey, 88% strongly agreed that “there is value in the YABS group being peer-led rather than provider-led”. PPs expressed preferences for different topics to be discussed with peers (e.g. friendships, sexuality, anxiety) compared to healthcare providers (e.g. treatment options, seizure management, advance care planning). Qualitative feedback highlighted that YABS provided community and social support from similarly-aged peers facing similar challenges. YABS had durable engagement over 3 years; median session attendance was 13.5, 18, and 21.5 PP in years 1, 2, and 3, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Peer-led SGs provide social support to YA brain tumor patients and complement provider-given information. This peer-led SG has sustained community engagement over 3 years. Future studies will elucidate impact on QOL, mental health, and functional independence.