Mixed methods evaluation of the inaugural year of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network's (CPCRN) scholars program

• Type of Material: Article
• Authors: Ngoc-Cam Escoffery, Emory University; Courtney N Petagna, Emory University; Mary Wangen, University of North Carolina; Kimberly J Flicker, The University of South Carolina; Samuel B Noblet, The University of South Carolina; Mayank Sakhuja, The University of South Carolina; Cynthia A Thomson, University of Arizona; Elaine H Morrato, Loyola University Chicago; Swann Adams, The University of South Carolina; Jennifer Leeman, University of North Carolina; Daniela B Friedman, The University of South Carolina
• Language: English
• Date: 2023-04-28
• Publisher: SPRINGER
• Publication Version: Final Published Version
• Copyright Statement: © The Author(s) 2023
• License: Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
• Final Published Version (URL): http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10552-023-01702-1
• Title of Journal or Parent Work: CANCER CAUSES & CONTROL
• Start Page: 1
• End Page: 17
• Grant/Funding Information: Work on this paper was funded [in part/in full] by the Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Cooperative Agreement Numbers: U48DP006377, U48DP006400, U48DP006413, and U48DP006401.; This paper was published as part of a supplement sponsored by the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN), a thematic network of the Prevention Research Center Program and supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).; It was also supported by the Winship Cancer Institute’s Intervention Development, Dissemination and Implementation Shared Resource (P30CA138292). The findings and conclusions in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CDC/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
• Keywords: DISSEMINATION; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Science & Technology; Oncology; Research network; IMPLEMENTATION RESEARCH; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; Training; Cancer disparities; Capacity-building; Evaluation; Dissemination and implementation science; PUBLIC-HEALTH
• Research Categories: Health Sciences, Public Health

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.