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Escoffery C, Petagna CN, Wangen M, Flicker KJ, Noblet SB, Sakhuja M, Thomson CA, Morrato EH, Adams S, Leeman J, Friedman DB. Mixed methods evaluation of the inaugural year of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network's (CPCRN) scholars program. Cancer Causes Control 2023; 34:57-73. [PMID: 37106215 PMCID: PMC10139907 DOI: 10.1007/s10552-023-01702-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE A diverse workforce trained in dissemination & implementation (D&I) science is critical for improving cancer outcomes and reducing cancer-related health disparities. This study aims to describe and evaluate impact of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) Scholars Program in preparing scholars for collaborative careers in cancer control and implementation research and practice, and offers evaluation-driven recommendations for program improvements. METHODS The CPCRN Scholars Workgroup conducted a sequential, mixed methods evaluation. We collected baseline and follow-up surveys and invited all 20 scholars and ten mentors to participate in an exit interview. We assessed the experience with the Scholar's program, ratings of D&I competences, progress on their project, feedback about the curriculum, and understanding of implementation science. RESULTS Over 86% partially or fully completed their project within 9 months; 78% of scholars engaged with a CPCRN workgroup. Scholars rated the following program components as valuable: the Putting Public Health Evidence in Action (PPHEIA) training (88.9%), D&I training modules (83.3%), and webinars (kickoff webinar-88.9% and selecting theories/models-88.9%). There was an increase in D&I competencies from baseline to posttest, with the greatest in community engagement topics. About 78% reported that they were satisfied with format of the activities and increased confidence in ability to discuss D&I concepts. From the qualitative interviews, the benefit of the program was becoming more knowledgeable about D&I research and networking. CONCLUSION The inaugural year of the program yielded positive results, particularly related to increasing knowledge about D&I science and cancer control. This program builds the capacity of students, researchers and practitioners in D&I science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cam Escoffery
- Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA.
| | - Courtney N Petagna
- Rollins School of Public Health, Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Emory University, 1518 Clifton Road, NE, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Mary Wangen
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kimberly J Flicker
- The University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public, Health Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Samuel B Noblet
- The University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public, Health Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Mayank Sakhuja
- The University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public, Health Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Cynthia A Thomson
- Health Promotion Sciences Department, University of Arizona, Mel and Enid Zuckerman, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Elaine H Morrato
- Loyola University Chicago, Parkinson School of Health Sciences and Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Swann Adams
- The University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public, Health Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jennifer Leeman
- Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Daniela B Friedman
- The University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public, Health Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Columbia, SC, USA
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Mathias W, Nichols KA, Golden-Wright J, Fairman CM, Felder TM, Workman L, Wickersham KE, Flicker KJ, Sheng J, Noblet SB, Adams SA, Eberth JM, Heiney SP, Wilcox S, Hébert JR, Friedman DB. Implementation During a Pandemic: Findings, Successes, and Lessons Learned from Community Grantees. J Cancer Educ 2023; 38:957-962. [PMID: 36056185 PMCID: PMC9439940 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-022-02213-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
Funding communities through mini-grant programs builds community capacity by fostering leadership among community members, developing expertise in implementing evidence-based practices, and increasing trust in partnerships. The South Carolina Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (SC-CPCRN) implemented the Community Health Intervention Program (CHIP) mini-grants initiative to address cancer-related health disparities among high-risk populations in rural areas of the state. One community-based organization and one faith-based organization were funded during the most recent call for proposals. The organizations implemented National Cancer Institute evidence-based strategies and programs focused on health and cancer screenings and physical activity and promotion of walking trails. Despite the potential for the COVID-19 pandemic to serve as a major barrier to implementation, grantees successfully recruited and engaged community members in evidence-based activities. These initiatives added material benefits to their local communities, including promotion of walking outdoors where it is less likely to contract the virus when socially distanced and provision of COVID-19 testing and vaccines along with other health and cancer screenings. Future mini-grants programs will benefit from learning from current grantees' flexibility in program implementation during a pandemic as well as their intentional approach to modifying program aspects as needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilhelmenia Mathias
- Health and Wellness Ministry, Trinity Baptist Church, Columbia, SC 29204, USA
| | | | - Jewel Golden-Wright
- Health and Wellness Ministry, Trinity Baptist Church, Columbia, SC 29204, USA
| | - Ciaran M Fairman
- Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Tisha M Felder
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Lauren Workman
- Department of Health Services Policy and Management & Center for Applied Research Evaluation, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Karen E Wickersham
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Kimberly J Flicker
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior & Office for the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Jingxi Sheng
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Samuel B Noblet
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Swann Arp Adams
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics & Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
| | - Jan M Eberth
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Rural and Minority Health Research Center & Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Sue P Heiney
- College of Nursing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Sara Wilcox
- Department of Exercise Science and Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - James R Hébert
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics & Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Daniela B Friedman
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior & Office for the Study of Aging, University of South Carolina, Arnold School of Public Health, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
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Friedman DB, Escoffery C, Noblet SB, Agnone CM, Flicker KJ. Building Capacity in Implementation Science for Cancer Prevention and Control Through a Research Network Scholars Program. J Cancer Educ 2022; 37:1957-1966. [PMID: 34240329 PMCID: PMC8266406 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-021-02066-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Building capacity of researchers and practitioners in the dissemination and implementation (D&I) of evidence-based interventions is greatly needed to improve cancer prevention and control. A diverse workforce trained in D&I science is critical for improving cancer outcomes and reducing cancer-related health disparities. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) Scholars Program aimed at training students, researchers, and practitioners in D&I for cancer prevention and control launched in 2021. The purpose of this paper is to describe the creation of the training program, curriculum, and evaluation plans, and to present the baseline results and lessons learned. CPCRN investigator and partner input and formative interviews (n = 16) with assistant professors, postdoctoral fellow, doctoral and undergraduate students, and a program manager guided development of the program. Twenty of 24 applicants were accepted into the inaugural year of the program. The majority of accepted scholars identified as female (80%) and were graduate students (50%). Thirty-five percent were of racially diverse backgrounds. Most self-rated their previous D&I experience and competencies at a beginner level. The multi-step approach used for development of this training program and lessons learned will be helpful for others collaborating on preparing the research and practice workforce in D&I science.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela B Friedman
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior and Office for the Study of Aging, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Cam Escoffery
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Samuel B Noblet
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior and Prevention Research Center, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Christine M Agnone
- Emory Rollins School of Public Health, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - Kimberly J Flicker
- Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior and Office for the Study of Aging, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
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