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Building implementation science capacity among practitioners of cancer control: development of a pilot training curriculum

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Cancer Causes & Control Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Purpose

Cancer control interventions are difficult to implement with fidelity, while tailoring to fit contexts. Engaged approaches are suggested to advance equity. On-the-ground practitioners are needed to serve as collaborators in the implementation process with research teams, but few trainings are designed with them in mind.

Methods

The Cancer Control Implementation Science Base Camp (CCISBC) was created to improve capacity among cancer control practitioners when implementing evidence-based cancer screening programs in specific contexts. Development of the curriculum included the following: (1) performing a literature review assessing extant curricula, (2) comparing competencies of these curricula, (3) user-centered design, (4) producing learning materials, (5) recruiting two teams to test a pilot, (6) running the pilot, and (7) evaluating results.

Results

Nine competencies overlapped between four of the curricula scanned in this study, all of which served as the basis for learning objectives. Principles that emerged from design sessions included staying clear about terminology, supporting the brokerage of knowledge, reframing theories, models, and frameworks as tools, and including equity in everything. Pilot testing showed that the average learner increased 74.5% in knowledge and 75% in confidence regarding implementing evidence-based cancer screening. Evidence suggests that the training increased the skill of implementing evidence-based interventions (EBIs) with a health equity lens.

Conclusion

In order to scale practice-based evidence, practitioners will need to be engaged. This engagement is optimized when practitioners are trained to collaborate on implementation research. The CCISBC is a feasible program to develop capacity among practitioners in comprehensive cancer control in order to optimize EBIs tailored to context.

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Data availability

Data sharing not applicable to this article as no datasets were generated or analyzed during the current study.

Abbreviations

CCC:

Comprehensive Cancer Control

CCCNP:

Comprehensive Cancer Control National Partnership

CCISBC:

Cancer Control Implementation Science Base Camp

CCP:

Cancer control practitioners

CDC:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

CFIR:

Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

CPCRN:

Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network

CU:

University of Colorado

EBIs:

Evidence-based interventions

ERIC:

Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change

FRAME:

Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced

ISG:

Implementation Science at a Glance

KMB:

Knowledge Mobilization Competencies

MT-DIRC:

Mentored Training in Dissemination and Implementation Research in Cancer

NCCCP:

National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program

NCI:

National Cancer Institute

PSAT:

Program SustainabilityAssessment Tool

TCI:

The Center for Implementation

TIDIRC:

Training Institute for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Cancer

UCSF:

University of California at San Francisco

UNC:

University of North Carolina

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Acknowledgments

We are grateful to Rachel Silber, Leila Habib, and Sarah Adler for providing contributions to the CCISBC. We are also grateful to Steering Committee Members: Heather Brandt, Christi Cahill, David Chambers, Gloria Coronado, Shauntay Davis-Patterson, Polly Hager, Erin Hahn, Caleb Levell, Tamara Robinson, Randy Schwartz, and Kelly Wells Sittig; their input was invaluable to the development and delivery process. This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement #NU58DP006461-03 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The views expressed in written workshop materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the US Government.

Funding

This project was supported by Cooperative Agreement #NU58DP006461-03 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The views expressed in written workshop materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services, nor does the mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the US Government.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. The George Washington University Cancer Center, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, D.C, United States of America

    Joseph A. Astorino, Sarah Kerch & Mandi L. Pratt-Chapman

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  1. Joseph A. Astorino
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  2. Sarah Kerch
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  3. Mandi L. Pratt-Chapman
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Contributions

JA and MP-C were involved in conceptualization of the study. All authors were involved in the pilot program, data collection, and data analysis. JA drafted the manuscript, SK commented on and aided in the revising of the manuscript. MP-C supervised the study and aided in the drafting of the manuscript. All authors read and approved the final manuscript.

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Correspondence to Joseph A. Astorino.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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The project received ethical approval via waiver by the Institutional Review Board of the George Washington University.

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The project received ethical approval via waiver by the Institutional Review Board of the George Washington University.

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Astorino, J.A., Kerch, S. & Pratt-Chapman, M.L. Building implementation science capacity among practitioners of cancer control: development of a pilot training curriculum. Cancer Causes Control 33, 1181–1191 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10552-022-01604-8

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