Promising approaches to support sustained colorectal cancer screening promotion strategies in primary care clinics

Abstract

Background: The Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP) funds recipients to partner with primary care clinics to adopt and sustain evidence-based interventions (EBIs) that increase CRC screening. This qualitative study explored how CRCCP recipients support their clinic partners to sustain EBI implementation.

Materials and methods: Two waves of data collection – including 27 key informant interviews and 4 validation focus groups with CRCCP recipients – explored recipients’ preparation for partnering with potential clinics and supporting EBI implementation and sustainment. Thematic analysis identified support strategies used throughout the CRCCP lifespan.

Result: To prepare for partnerships with clinics, recipients assessed organizational characteristics (leadership support, staffing, and data capacity) to determine readiness for implementing and sustaining EBIs. Recipients then: provided funding for implementation support, and ongoing training and technical assistance; established a clinic-level screening champion; and integrated EBIs into clinic workflows. Some recipients continue to partner with clinics after EBIs are sustained to monitor CRC screening rates and fund follow-up colonoscopies.

Discussion: Study findings indicate that assessing organizational characteristics to determine readiness and providing funding and ongoing technical assistance are practical approaches to support CRC EBI sustainment. Results can inform program and partnership planning among CRCCP recipients and other cancer screening and chronic disease prevention programs.