System Dynamics of Sustaining the Use and Impact of Evidence-Based Interventions (EBIs) to Support CRC Screening Over the Longer Term
This diagram visualizes the complex interactions and factors influencing the sustainability of implemented EBIs over time in supporting CRC screening in clinic populations. This causal loop diagram highlights the many factors that can strengthen or impede the long-term sustainability of EBIs, especially beyond the initial cycle of funding received to support EBI implementation (e.g., 5 years of CRCCP funding). These include the extent to which implemented EBIs are embedded within clinic practices and documentation, the existence and ongoing support of clinic partnerships and committed leaders/champions, the stability of funding, and the clinic’s ability to effectively select and implement EBIs that address local gaps and barriers to screening.
Understanding the diagram:
- S (Same): Arrows marked with “S” indicate that the two connected variables move in the same direction. For example, if one variable increases, the other also increases.
- O (Opposite): Arrows marked with “O” suggest that the variables move in opposite directions. If one variable increases, the other decreases.
- Solid Lines: These lines represent direct relationships or influences between variables.
- Dotted Lines: Dotted lines indicate indirect relationships or feedback loops that may require additional steps to influence the connected variables.
The diagram serves as a roadmap for understanding how various factors interact to influence clinics’ ability to sustain EBIs and their impact on CRC screening. By examining these loops, we can gain insights into the dynamics that clinics face in ensuring the longevity of the EBIs that they decide to implement. Additionally, this diagram can be used to support clinics’ upfront selection and adaptation of EBIs by allowing for consideration of their long-term sustainability; for example, EBIs that may be easier to support and implement upfront may be differ than those that are more sustainable over time.
Cited references for this diagram
Third, support from clinic leadership is essential for continuing CRC screening promotion efforts and exploring innovative solutions to emergent challenges, especially when faced with limited clinic resources and staff capacity.[[42, 59]]
Arena L, Soloe C, Schlueter D, Ferriola-Bruckenstein K, DeGroff A, Tangka F, Hoover S, Melillo S, Subramanian S. Modifications in Primary Care Clinics to Continue Colorectal Cancer Screening Promotion During the COVID-19 Pandemic. J Community Health. 2023 Feb;48(1):113-126. doi: 10.1007/s10900-022-01154-9. Epub 2022 Oct 29. PMID: 36308666; PMCID: PMC9617236.
However, less than 50% of clinics used CRCCP resources for provider reminders in PY1. Provider reminders can increase screening rates by a median of 15.3%.[[24]] If reminders are integrated into an electronic health system, the activity is sustainable.
DeGroff A, Sharma K, Satsangi A, Kenney K, Joseph D, Ross K, Leadbetter S, Helsel W, Kammerer W, Firth R, Rockwell T, Short W, Tangka F, Wong F, Richardson L. Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening in Health Care Systems Using Evidence-Based Interventions. Prev Chronic Dis. 2018 Aug 9;15:E100. doi: 10.5888/pcd15.180029. PMID: 30095405; PMCID: PMC6093266.
Early results from our PY1 evaluation, including changes in screening rates, suggest the CRCCP is working; program reach was measurable and substantial, clinics enhanced EBIs in place or implemented new ones in clinics, and we observed an increase in the overall average screening rate.
DeGroff A, Sharma K, Satsangi A, Kenney K, Joseph D, Ross K, Leadbetter S, Helsel W, Kammerer W, Firth R, Rockwell T, Short W, Tangka F, Wong F, Richardson L. Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening in Health Care Systems Using Evidence-Based Interventions. Prev Chronic Dis. 2018 Aug 9;15:E100. doi: 10.5888/pcd15.180029. PMID: 30095405; PMCID: PMC6093266.
Studying factors associated with maintaining or abandoning the EBIs will create a catalog of lessons learned that can be shared among grantees to help them increase effectiveness in selecting and implementing EBIs.
Hannon PA, Maxwell AE, Escoffery C, Vu T, Kohn M, Leeman J, Carvalho ML, Pfeiffer DJ, Dwyer A, Fernandez ME, Vernon SW, Liang L, DeGroff A. Colorectal Cancer Control Program grantees' use of evidence-based interventions. Am J Prev Med. 2013 Nov;45(5):644-8. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2013.06.010. PMID: 24139779; PMCID: PMC4618374.
The other most commonly given reasons for stopping specific EBIs included limited staff time or staff turnover and the desire to implement other EBIs (and not being able to implement all EBIs at one time).
Hannon PA, Maxwell AE, Escoffery C, Vu T, Kohn MJ, Gressard L, Dillon-Sumner L, Mason C, DeGroff A. Adoption and Implementation of Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions Among Cancer Control Program Grantees, 2009-2015. Prev Chronic Dis. 2019 Oct 10;16:E139. doi: 10.5888/pcd16.180682. PMID: 31603404; PMCID: PMC6795067.
Other frequently mentioned barriers [to EBI implementation] included getting approvals or arranging contracts with partner agencies and concerns about funding and sustainability.
Hannon PA, Maxwell AE, Escoffery C, Vu T, Kohn MJ, Gressard L, Dillon-Sumner L, Mason C, DeGroff A. Adoption and Implementation of Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions Among Cancer Control Program Grantees, 2009-2015. Prev Chronic Dis. 2019 Oct 10;16:E139. doi: 10.5888/pcd16.180682. PMID: 31603404; PMCID: PMC6795067.
We found that grantees’ reasons for discontinuing an EBI most often related to capacity issues. Context also may be an important factor. For instance, electronic health records systems were identified as a barrier to EBI implementation. This suggests that sustainability in clinic settings may be challenged when electronic health records systems cannot support integration of client and provider reminder systems as well as provider assessment and feedback reports.
Hannon PA, Maxwell AE, Escoffery C, Vu T, Kohn MJ, Gressard L, Dillon-Sumner L, Mason C, DeGroff A. Adoption and Implementation of Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions Among Cancer Control Program Grantees, 2009-2015. Prev Chronic Dis. 2019 Oct 10;16:E139. doi: 10.5888/pcd16.180682. PMID: 31603404; PMCID: PMC6795067.
Across EBIs, many grantees mentioned successful partnerships as key facilitators to implementation. In many cases, grantees’ partners led implementation activities; in others, they provided connections, materials, or staff time.
Hannon PA, Maxwell AE, Escoffery C, Vu T, Kohn MJ, Gressard L, Dillon-Sumner L, Mason C, DeGroff A. Adoption and Implementation of Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions Among Cancer Control Program Grantees, 2009-2015. Prev Chronic Dis. 2019 Oct 10;16:E139. doi: 10.5888/pcd16.180682. PMID: 31603404; PMCID: PMC6795067.
A couple of grantees also noted a shift in their partners’ focus or priorities that led to the partner no longer being interested in the EBI.
Hannon PA, Maxwell AE, Escoffery C, Vu T, Kohn MJ, Gressard L, Dillon-Sumner L, Mason C, DeGroff A. Adoption and Implementation of Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions Among Cancer Control Program Grantees, 2009-2015. Prev Chronic Dis. 2019 Oct 10;16:E139. doi: 10.5888/pcd16.180682. PMID: 31603404; PMCID: PMC6795067.
Few grantees provided reasons for discontinuing specific EBIs. Of those who did, a common reason given (especially in program year 6) was the end of funding to sustain the EBI.
Hannon PA, Maxwell AE, Escoffery C, Vu T, Kohn MJ, Gressard L, Dillon-Sumner L, Mason C, DeGroff A. Adoption and Implementation of Evidence-Based Colorectal Cancer Screening Interventions Among Cancer Control Program Grantees, 2009-2015. Prev Chronic Dis. 2019 Oct 10;16:E139. doi: 10.5888/pcd16.180682. PMID: 31603404; PMCID: PMC6795067.
Implementation readiness — an organization’s combined capacity, commitment, and willingness to implement a new program, policy, or practice — facilitates implementation success.[[16–18]] Because public health resources are limited, identifying a clinic’s readiness to successfully implement and sustain interventions, as well as gaps in clinic resources or practices that need to be addressed before implementation, is critical. Such assessment practices can guide clinics to select interventions with the greatest potential for long-term sustainability, and in turn help maximize the impact of public health spending, optimize clinic success, reduce cancer disparities, and improve population health.
Hohl SD, Melillo S, Vu TT, Escoffery C, DeGroff A, Schlueter D, Ross LW, Maxwell AE, Sharma KP, Boehm J, Joseph D, Hannon PA. Development of a Field Guide for Assessing Readiness to Implement Evidence-Based Cancer Screening Interventions in Primary Care Clinics. Prev Chronic Dis. 2022 May 12;19:E25. doi: 10.5888/pcd19.210395. PMID: 35550244; PMCID: PMC9109642.
Key informants who represented current and previous recipients generally said that mixed-methods assessments conducted before implementation prepared them to use results to inform development of tailored action plans for EBI implementation and technical assistance with partners.
Hohl SD, Melillo S, Vu TT, Escoffery C, DeGroff A, Schlueter D, Ross LW, Maxwell AE, Sharma KP, Boehm J, Joseph D, Hannon PA. Development of a Field Guide for Assessing Readiness to Implement Evidence-Based Cancer Screening Interventions in Primary Care Clinics. Prev Chronic Dis. 2022 May 12;19:E25. doi: 10.5888/pcd19.210395. PMID: 35550244; PMCID: PMC9109642.
Only 58% of clinics reported having good leadership support to maintain implementation of CRC screening EBIs, including mailed fecal testing. Fewer clinics reported having funding stability, organizational capacity, or the ability to adapt practices to ensure sustainability of EBI implementation. Although the CRCCP and other programs are designed with sustainability as a long-term goal, sustainability is an on-going challenge in clinics with limited resources and changing priorities that are reflected in budget changes.
Hohl SD, Maxwell AE, Sharma KP, Sun J, Vu TT, DeGroff A, Escoffery C, Schlueter D, Hannon PA. Implementing Mailed Colorectal Cancer Fecal Screening Tests in Real-World Primary Care Settings: Promising Implementation Practices and Opportunities for Improvement. Prev Sci. 2024 Apr;25(Suppl 1):124-135. doi: 10.1007/s11121-023-01496-3. Epub 2023 Mar 23. PMID: 36952143; PMCID: PMC10034905.
Over half of clinics (58%) reported having leadership support to a great/very great extent to sustain the implementation of EBIs after the CRCCP screening initiative ends, but only 29% reported having a great/very great extent of funding stability in place to do so (Table 7).
Hohl SD, Maxwell AE, Sharma KP, Sun J, Vu TT, DeGroff A, Escoffery C, Schlueter D, Hannon PA. Implementing Mailed Colorectal Cancer Fecal Screening Tests in Real-World Primary Care Settings: Promising Implementation Practices and Opportunities for Improvement. Prev Sci. 2024 Apr;25(Suppl 1):124-135. doi: 10.1007/s11121-023-01496-3. Epub 2023 Mar 23. PMID: 36952143; PMCID: PMC10034905.
Unexpectedly, implementation of EBIs did not become easier over time, possibly because of the need to build and sustain partnerships over time with health care providers and organizations.
Joseph DA, DeGroff A. The CDC Colorectal Cancer Control Program, 2009-2015. Prev Chronic Dis. 2019 Dec 5;16:E159. doi: 10.5888/pcd16.190336. PMID: 31808418; PMCID: PMC6896829.
This study demonstrates that EBIs to increase CRC screening may be effective in clinics with fewer resources that serve populations who have poor access to or under-utilize health care services. Tailoring the EBIs to the needs and capacity of participating clinics may have been key to their effectiveness.
Kim KE, Tangka FKL, Jayaprakash M, Randal FT, Lam H, Freedman D, Carrier LA, Sargant C, Maene C, Hoover S, Joseph D, French C, Subramanian S. Effectiveness and Cost of Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among an Underserved Population in Chicago. Health Promot Pract. 2020 Nov;21(6):884-890. doi: 10.1177/1524839920954162. Epub 2020 Sep 29. PMID: 32990041; PMCID: PMC7894065.
Using a participatory implementation approach, a pre-implementation assessment was conducted to assess readiness for implementation of EBIs in order to increase CRC screening uptake.
Kim KE, Tangka FKL, Jayaprakash M, Randal FT, Lam H, Freedman D, Carrier LA, Sargant C, Maene C, Hoover S, Joseph D, French C, Subramanian S. Effectiveness and Cost of Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among an Underserved Population in Chicago. Health Promot Pract. 2020 Nov;21(6):884-890. doi: 10.1177/1524839920954162. Epub 2020 Sep 29. PMID: 32990041; PMCID: PMC7894065.
First, the pre-implementation process allowed the awardee to determine the infrastructure needs and their capacity to implement EBIs.
Kim KE, Tangka FKL, Jayaprakash M, Randal FT, Lam H, Freedman D, Carrier LA, Sargant C, Maene C, Hoover S, Joseph D, French C, Subramanian S. Effectiveness and Cost of Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among an Underserved Population in Chicago. Health Promot Pract. 2020 Nov;21(6):884-890. doi: 10.1177/1524839920954162. Epub 2020 Sep 29. PMID: 32990041; PMCID: PMC7894065.
Third, the effectiveness of these EBIs on CRC order and screening uptake was significant across all populations served and independent of insurance status.
Kim KE, Tangka FKL, Jayaprakash M, Randal FT, Lam H, Freedman D, Carrier LA, Sargant C, Maene C, Hoover S, Joseph D, French C, Subramanian S. Effectiveness and Cost of Implementing Evidence-Based Interventions to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening Among an Underserved Population in Chicago. Health Promot Pract. 2020 Nov;21(6):884-890. doi: 10.1177/1524839920954162. Epub 2020 Sep 29. PMID: 32990041; PMCID: PMC7894065.
Uptake may be facilitated through technical and financial support provided by CRCCP awardees and integration of these strategies into clinic electronic health records systems.
Maxwell AE, DeGroff A, Hohl SD, Sharma KP, Sun J, Escoffery C, Hannon PA. Evaluating Uptake of Evidence-Based Interventions in 355 Clinics Partnering With the Colorectal Cancer Control Program, 2015-2018. Prev Chronic Dis. 2022 May 19;19:E26. doi: 10.5888/pcd19.210258. PMID: 35588522; PMCID: PMC9165474.
Among clinics that had EBIs and SAs in place by the end of each year, most considered those EBIs and SAs fully integrated into health systems or clinic operations and sustainable with or without CRCCP resources, especially in years 2 and 3 (Table 4).
Maxwell AE, DeGroff A, Hohl SD, Sharma KP, Sun J, Escoffery C, Hannon PA. Evaluating Uptake of Evidence-Based Interventions in 355 Clinics Partnering With the Colorectal Cancer Control Program, 2015-2018. Prev Chronic Dis. 2022 May 19;19:E26. doi: 10.5888/pcd19.210258. PMID: 35588522; PMCID: PMC9165474.
Given the limited nature of public health funding cycles, it is critical that health systems change efforts not only work to achieve population health outcomes but also dedicate time and resources to integrating effective strategies for increased likelihood of long-term sustainability. Integrating EBIs and SAs into existing FQHC processes proved essential to CRCCP sustainability.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Respondents across all four awardees discussed integration as a way to expand patient reach across chronic disease programs; decrease staff and patient burden; and support sustainability by pooling implementation resources for increased efficiency.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Respondents noted the importance of planning for sustainability from initiation of CRCCP implementation by allocating funding to integrate EBIs into FQHC practices. Respondents reported that FQHCs were encouraged to apply funding in ways that directly supported sustainability, such as building infrastructure and long-term FQHC practices (e.g., EHR assessments, quality improvement [QI] efforts, and workflow adaptations) versus funding staff positions (e.g., patient navigators) requiring new funding sources once CRCCP funding ends.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Respondents stated that adopting a team-based approach to care facilitated sustainability by safeguarding FQHCs from losing momentum when staff turnover and fostering shared commitment to CRC screening.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Ongoing staff education and training were critical for sustaining EBIs/SAs embedded in clinic workflows and standard operation procedures (SOPs).
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Clear, visible leadership support helped facilitate sustainability by enabling institutionalization of EBIs and SAs within FQHCs. Champions leveraged external policies/reporting requirements (e.g., Health Resources and Services Administration Uniform Data System CRC screening performance measure) to make the case for sustained implementation of EBIs/SAs to upper levels of clinic administration.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Respondents in this study largely discussed the utility of integration within existing team-based care structures. Clinics without team-based structures in place prior to implementing a CRC health systems change effort may require additional support as they adjust to providing integrated services.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Respondents described aspects of FQHC communication and culture that bolstered early implementation, including the importance of identifying champions from varied roles (e.g., QI expert, physician) during FQHC recruitment or early implementation who could help prioritize CRC screening within FQHCs.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Whether champions served in leadership or other FQHC staff roles, their ongoing promotion of EBIs and SAs, and clear and consistent leadership support, was paramount to prioritize these efforts. CRC screening champions have been associated with increased CRC screening rates and higher overall clinic performance.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Integrating evidence-based processes into multiple aspects of clinic operations—including funding allocation, staff training, care delivery models, and EHR systems—can be complex but improve the prospect of sustainability.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Initial investments may discontinue following short-term improvements to population health outcomes, after which implementation of evidence-based practices can diminish, resulting in loss of preliminary program gains (Birken et al., 2020; Buchanan et al., 2005; Stirman et al., 2012).
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Our findings highlight the essential role of awardees in using readiness assessment findings to “meet clinics where they are” and mobilize strength-based partnerships—a critical tenet of public health service—to identify opportunities to integrate EBIs and SAs into existing clinic protocols.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
A key theme across all awardees was the essential nature of coordinating EBIs and SAs with existing FQHC practices to expand reach of clinics’ prevention efforts and increase efficiency.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
Respondents from three awardees described working with FQHCs to formally assess their implementation readiness during the application process or initial site visits. Although the scope of assessments and definitions of “readiness” varied, awardees generally examined: (a) CRC burden and risk, (b) CRC screening practices, (c) experience implementing similar EBIs and SAs, (d) effectively engaging partners, (e) current EHR systems, including problems with EHRs related to EBI implementation or measuring CRC screening rates, and (f) CRC screening rates. FQHC staff, in collaboration with awardees, used assessment results to inform selection of EBIs and SAs for implementation and address EHR issues.
Schlueter D, DeGroff A, Soloe C, Arena L, Melillo S, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors That Support Sustainability of Health Systems Change to Increase Colorectal Cancer Screening in Primary Care Clinics: A Longitudinal Qualitative Study. Health Promot Pract. 2023 Jul;24(4):755-763. doi: 10.1177/15248399221091999. Epub 2022 May 18. PMID: 35582930; PMCID: PMC9672135.
All four priority EBIs were positively associated with clinic screening rates with statistical significance (Table 3).
Sharma KP, DeGroff A, Scott L, Shrestha S, Melillo S, Sabatino SA. Correlates of colorectal cancer screening rates in primary care clinics serving low income, medically underserved populations. Prev Med. 2019 Sep;126:105774. doi: 10.1016/j.ypmed.2019.105774. Epub 2019 Jul 15. PMID: 31319118; PMCID: PMC6904949.
This most recent study adds further support to the analysis by the Community Preventive Services Task Force demonstrating that multicomponent interventions led to greater increases in CRC screening.[[13]] Increasing the number of EBIs may be accomplished through the integration of some EBIs such as provider reminders, patient reminders, and provider assessment and feedback into electronic health record systems. Although an upfront investment of time and resources may be needed to accomplish this, resource needs would then diminish, and the sustainability of the EBIs would be enhanced.
Sharma KP, Leadbetter S, DeGroff A. Characterizing clinics with differential changes in the screening rate in the Colorectal Cancer Control Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancer. 2021 Apr 1;127(7):1049-1056. doi: 10.1002/cncr.33325. Epub 2020 Dec 10. PMID: 33301173; PMCID: PMC9242539.
Clinic champions, also found to be more common in Q4 clinics, can play an important role in facilitating EBI implementation.
Sharma KP, Leadbetter S, DeGroff A. Characterizing clinics with differential changes in the screening rate in the Colorectal Cancer Control Program of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Cancer. 2021 Apr 1;127(7):1049-1056. doi: 10.1002/cncr.33325. Epub 2020 Dec 10. PMID: 33301173; PMCID: PMC9242539.
An earlier study reported a 4.4−percentage point increase in average screening rate after 1 year of CRCCP implementation,10 whereas this study observed an increase of 11.3 percentage points over 2 years. Results from this study suggest increased effectiveness of the EBIs with longer and possibly improved implementation in the second year after the initial start-up phase.
Sharma KP, DeGroff A, Maxwell AE, Cole AM, Escoffery NC, Hannon PA. Evidence-Based Interventions and Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates: The Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, 2015-2017. Am J Prev Med. 2021 Sep;61(3):402-409. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.03.002. Epub 2021 May 14. PMID: 33994253; PMCID: PMC11008572.
Overall, the average clinic-level screening rate increased by 11.7 percentage points from baseline (33.5%) to PY2 (45.2%).
Sharma KP, DeGroff A, Maxwell AE, Cole AM, Escoffery NC, Hannon PA. Evidence-Based Interventions and Colorectal Cancer Screening Rates: The Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, 2015-2017. Am J Prev Med. 2021 Sep;61(3):402-409. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2021.03.002. Epub 2021 May 14. PMID: 33994253; PMCID: PMC11008572.
To determine appropriate EBIs and ensure clinic capacity to implement them, programs can conduct readiness assessments of clinics prior to implementation. However, clinics may lack resources to implement all available interventions, and may strategically choose EBIs that are less resource intensive.
Sharma KP, DeGroff A, Hohl SD, Maxwell AE, Escoffery NC, Sabatino SA, Joseph DA. Multi-component interventions and change in screening rates in primary care clinics in the Colorectal Cancer Control Program. Prev Med Rep. 2022 Jul 9;29:101904. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101904. PMID: 35864930; PMCID: PMC9294188.
Average clinic CRC screening rates generally increased when clinics implemented or enhanced any number EBIs or SAs compared to clinics that did not newly implement or enhance any EBIs/SAs.
Sharma KP, DeGroff A, Hohl SD, Maxwell AE, Escoffery NC, Sabatino SA, Joseph DA. Multi-component interventions and change in screening rates in primary care clinics in the Colorectal Cancer Control Program. Prev Med Rep. 2022 Jul 9;29:101904. doi: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2022.101904. PMID: 35864930; PMCID: PMC9294188.
EHR systems, a reservoir of patient information, were also found to be an important component of information sharing to support integrated implementation. Although investing in functional EHR systems can be costly, these systems are recognized as essential to enable optimal, integrated, patient-centered care because they allow for the abstraction of accurate clinical information.
Soloe C, Arena L, Schlueter D, Melillo S, DeGroff A, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors that support readiness to implement integrated evidence-based practice to increase cancer screening. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Oct 6;3(1):106. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00347-6. PMID: 36199117; PMCID: PMC9535984.
We found that readiness for integration in clinics was supported when programs consolidated funding into single contracts for partner clinics, rather than providing separate “siloed” contracts for individual health conditions. In the CRCCP, this approach presents an opportunity for more efficient use of public health funding for coordinated promotion of cancer screenings (e.g., colorectal, breast, and/or cervical). Efficiencies are also achieved when the clinic staff respond to a single, consolidated funding application rather than multiple applications, and the pooled funding provides both program sites and clinic flexibility to leverage funds and share overhead costs, offering the opportunity to achieve more with their awarded funds.
Soloe C, Arena L, Schlueter D, Melillo S, DeGroff A, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors that support readiness to implement integrated evidence-based practice to increase cancer screening. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Oct 6;3(1):106. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00347-6. PMID: 36199117; PMCID: PMC9535984.
The ability to access and share accurate patient information, including EHR data, was identified as another factor supporting readiness for integrated implementation of CRC screening.
Soloe C, Arena L, Schlueter D, Melillo S, DeGroff A, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors that support readiness to implement integrated evidence-based practice to increase cancer screening. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Oct 6;3(1):106. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00347-6. PMID: 36199117; PMCID: PMC9535984.
Participants indicated that the clinic staff, particularly patient navigators and care coordinators, rely on the availability of accurate EHR reports to identify patients for screening and/or diagnostics for multiple chronic disease conditions. The clinic staff emphasized that the utility of the EHR data in supporting integrated implementation is contingent on data accuracy.
Soloe C, Arena L, Schlueter D, Melillo S, DeGroff A, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors that support readiness to implement integrated evidence-based practice to increase cancer screening. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Oct 6;3(1):106. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00347-6. PMID: 36199117; PMCID: PMC9535984.
Similarly, data sharing among quality improvement (QI) teams promotes a collective understanding of where clinics stand on the delivery of health promotion activities that can foster understanding of opportunities to potentially improve these metrics through integrated implementation.
Soloe C, Arena L, Schlueter D, Melillo S, DeGroff A, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors that support readiness to implement integrated evidence-based practice to increase cancer screening. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Oct 6;3(1):106. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00347-6. PMID: 36199117; PMCID: PMC9535984.
At the clinic level, a team-based approach was found to support staff ability to integrate implementation of EBIs and supporting activities to promote CRC screening with other patient care activities.
Soloe C, Arena L, Schlueter D, Melillo S, DeGroff A, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors that support readiness to implement integrated evidence-based practice to increase cancer screening. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Oct 6;3(1):106. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00347-6. PMID: 36199117; PMCID: PMC9535984.
Finally, leaders’ expectations for integrated implementation can set the tone for clinic staff, creating a culture of readiness for the uptake of integration. For example, leadership support of CRC screening champions, individuals serving as internal advocates for screening, can help add credibility to champion activities.
Soloe C, Arena L, Schlueter D, Melillo S, DeGroff A, Tangka F, Hoover S, Subramanian S. Factors that support readiness to implement integrated evidence-based practice to increase cancer screening. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Oct 6;3(1):106. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00347-6. PMID: 36199117; PMCID: PMC9535984.
Across all interventions and multicomponent interventions, increases in the overall FQHC screening uptake ranged from 4.9 to 26.7 percentage points. Each FQHC implemented interventions that increased CRC screening among its low-income population.
Subramanian S, Tangka FKL, Hoover S. Role of an Implementation Economics Analysis in Providing the Evidence Base for Increasing Colorectal Cancer Screening. Prev Chronic Dis. 2020 Jun 25;17:E46. doi: 10.5888/pcd17.190407. PMID: 32584756; PMCID: PMC7316416.
Third, staff turnover was seen as a major barrier to both implementation success and sustainability. The burden consists of the need to train new staff, the loss of institutional knowledge, and the need to rebuild informal communication channels that are often required for coordination of multilevel interventions and supporting activities.
Subramanian S, Tangka FKL, Hoover S, DeGroff A. Integrated interventions and supporting activities to increase uptake of multiple cancer screenings: conceptual framework, determinants of implementation success, measurement challenges, and research priorities. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Oct 5;3(1):105. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00353-8. PMID: 36199098; PMCID: PMC9532830.
Implementation sites often differ in the types and combination of EBI(s) and SA(s) implemented, how the EBI(s) and SA(s) are implemented, and the amount of resources utilized for development and implementation. Therefore, comparison across programs should include an in-depth description or mapping of intervention processes to understand how programs are similar and how they differ to support future implementation efforts.
Tangka FKL, Subramanian S, Hoover S, Lara C, Eastman C, Glaze B, Conn ME, DeGroff A, Wong FL, Richardson LC. Identifying optimal approaches to scale up colorectal cancer screening: an overview of the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)'s learning laboratory. Cancer Causes Control. 2019 Feb;30(2):169-175. doi: 10.1007/s10552-018-1109-x. Epub 2018 Dec 14. PMID: 30552592; PMCID: PMC6382575.
Integrating CRC interventions into the standard operating procedures and work flow processes of health systems, when possible, will contribute to sustainability (e.g., incorporating client reminders into the electronic health record system so that reminders are automated).
Tangka FKL, Subramanian S, Hoover S, Lara C, Eastman C, Glaze B, Conn ME, DeGroff A, Wong FL, Richardson LC. Identifying optimal approaches to scale up colorectal cancer screening: an overview of the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)'s learning laboratory. Cancer Causes Control. 2019 Feb;30(2):169-175. doi: 10.1007/s10552-018-1109-x. Epub 2018 Dec 14. PMID: 30552592; PMCID: PMC6382575.
Screening uptake increased across all the sites during the implementation period, ranging from 7.1 to 18.9 % points.
Tangka FKL, Subramanian S, Hoover S, Lara C, Eastman C, Glaze B, Conn ME, DeGroff A, Wong FL, Richardson LC. Identifying optimal approaches to scale up colorectal cancer screening: an overview of the centers for disease control and prevention (CDC)'s learning laboratory. Cancer Causes Control. 2019 Feb;30(2):169-175. doi: 10.1007/s10552-018-1109-x. Epub 2018 Dec 14. PMID: 30552592; PMCID: PMC6382575.
According to ID-DHW stakeholders, there were several program elements that facilitated the initiation of cancer screening prevention integration after their planning phase. The first of these elements was a pre-implementation checklist for health clinics to determine their capacity for implementing each type of cancer screening and undertake specific enhancements for coordinated and integrated screenings to be initiated.
Tangka FKL, Subramanian S, Hoover S, Cariou C, Creighton B, Hobbs L, Marzano A, Marcotte A, Norton DD, Kelly-Flis P, Leypoldt M, Larkins T, Poole M, Boehm J. Improving the efficiency of integrated cancer screening delivery across multiple cancers: case studies from Idaho, Rhode Island, and Nebraska. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Dec 16;3(1):133. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00381-4. PMID: 36527147; PMCID: PMC9756516.
The patient navigator indicated it was simpler to discuss numerous screening tests and preventive measures during one call, as it was easier for the patient navigator to go through and discuss any and all testing a patient may need. Nonetheless, the patient navigator indicated that it was sometimes challenging for a patient to hear the list. It could be overwhelming if a patient was not prepared or did not initially understand the purpose of the tests or screenings.
Tangka FKL, Subramanian S, Hoover S, Cariou C, Creighton B, Hobbs L, Marzano A, Marcotte A, Norton DD, Kelly-Flis P, Leypoldt M, Larkins T, Poole M, Boehm J. Improving the efficiency of integrated cancer screening delivery across multiple cancers: case studies from Idaho, Rhode Island, and Nebraska. Implement Sci Commun. 2022 Dec 16;3(1):133. doi: 10.1186/s43058-022-00381-4. PMID: 36527147; PMCID: PMC9756516.
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