# Engagement Optimization Unit

> **NIH NIH U2C** · WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $520,701

## Abstract

Project Summary: Engagement Optimization Unit
The overall goal of the Engagement Optimization Unit (EOU) of the Washington University Participant
Engagement and Cancer Genomic Sequencing Center (WU-PE-CGS) is to conduct ongoing and iterative
research to integrate optimal approaches to participant engagement in the recruitment, consent, follow-up and
communication of genomic characterization results. The EOU will optimize the engagement process for genomic
characterization of patients diagnosed with three rare of understudied cancers including those that significantly
impact minority and rural populations (cholangiocarcinoma, multiple myeloma, and early onset colorectal
cancer). The outcomes of research conducted within the EOU will be fully integrated with the Participant
Engagement Unit and the Genome Characterization Unit to optimize participant experiences throughout the
genomic research process. The EOU will support the overall mission of WU-PE-CGS through the following aims:
(1) conduct ongoing evaluation of participant engagement and ELSI concerns related to genomic testing among
underserved populations with rare cancers; (2) conduct a randomized controlled trial to optimize the return of
results process; (3) utilize an embedded ethics approach to synthesize and address ELSI issues arising across
all units and the Patient Engagement Advisory Board to optimize participant engagement. The EOU will use an
implementation science framework for the main research objectives. Aim 1 will interview a random sample of
participants at various stages in their study participation (decliners, post-consent, post disclosure). Aim 2 will
expand and test a web-based decision aid to elicit participants' values and preferences for receiving results from
cancer genomic sequencing. Participants will be randomized to intervention (Genomics ADvISOR decision aid)
or control (standard discussion). In Aim 3, will use embedded ethics to explore ELSI concerns that arise when
genetic testing is offered to minority and rural-residing adults with rare cancer. This approach will ensure that
ethical issues arising within components (PEU, EOU and GCU) will be identified and communicated across the
entire center. The innovation of this project brings rigorous implementation science to the otherwise slow
diffusion of guideline driven genetic testing and return of results to cancer patients. We will focus our engagement
optimization research on rural and high-risk minority populations that are under-represented in cancer genomic
analyses and have often been omitted from implementation science directed studies in the area of genomic
medicine.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10294016
- **Project number:** 1U2CCA252981-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Bettina F. Drake
- **Activity code:** U2C (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $520,701
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-09-01 → 2026-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10294016

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10294016, Engagement Optimization Unit (1U2CCA252981-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10294016. Licensed CC0.

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