Culturally Tailored Palliative Care Communication for Pancreatic Cancer Patients and Their Caregivers: A Bilingual Community Health Worker Intervention

Authors: Matangi, Nishita PhD, MPH; Joachim-Célestin, Maud MD, DrPH; Rivas, Lizbeth BS; Montgomery, Susanne B. PhD, MPH, MS; Thiruvengadam, Nikhil Ravi MD

This study found that bilingual community health workers helped pancreatic cancer patients and their families better understand their illness and engage with palliative care through culturally appropriate education and ongoing support. By providing information in the patients’ preferred language and building trusted relationships, community health workers helped families overcome communication barriers, make informed decisions, and become more willing to use palliative care services. The findings suggest this approach could improve support for people with serious illnesses in diverse communities.