Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates are lower in Appalachian regions of the United States than in non-Appalachian regions. Given the availability of various screening modalities, there is ...critical need for culturally relevant interventions addressing multiple socioecological levels to reduce the regional CRC burden. In this report, we describe the development and baseline findings from year 1 of "Accelerating Colorectal Cancer Screening through Implementation Science (ACCSIS) in Appalachia," a 5-year, National Cancer Institute Cancer Moonshot
-funded multilevel intervention (MLI) project to increase screening in Appalachian Kentucky and Ohio primary care clinics.
Project development was theory-driven and included the establishment of both an external Scientific Advisory Board and a Community Advisory Board to provide guidance in conducting formative activities in two Appalachian counties: one in Kentucky and one in Ohio. Activities included identifying and describing the study communities and primary care clinics, selecting appropriate evidence-based interventions (EBIs), and conducting a pilot test of MLI strategies addressing patient, provider, clinic, and community needs.
Key informant interviews identified multiple barriers to CRC screening, including fear of screening, test results, and financial concerns (patient level); lack of time and competing priorities (provider level); lack of reminder or tracking systems and staff burden (clinic level); and cultural issues, societal norms, and transportation (community level). With this information, investigators then offered clinics a menu of EBIs and strategies to address barriers at each level. Clinics selected individually tailored MLIs, including improvement of patient education materials, provision of provider education (resulting in increased knowledge, p = .003), enhancement of electronic health record (EHR) systems and development of clinic screening protocols, and implementation of community CRC awareness events, all of which promoted stool-based screening (i.e., FIT or FIT-DNA). Variability among clinics, including differences in EHR systems, was the most salient barrier to EBI implementation, particularly in terms of tracking follow-up of positive screening results, whereas the development of clinic-wide screening protocols was found to promote fidelity to EBI components.
Lessons learned from year 1 included increased recognition of variability among the clinics and how they function, appreciation for clinic staff and provider workload, and development of strategies to utilize EHR systems. These findings necessitated a modification of study design for subsequent years.
Trial NCT04427527 is registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov and was registered on June 11, 2020.
Abstract
Introduction: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) supports two national networks within its Integrated Network Program (INP): the ...Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) and the National Outreach Network (NON). CRCHD strategically engages in facilitation efforts to integrate and disseminate efforts focused on reducing cancer health disparities among the scientific community and to the underserved communities they serve. The GMaP Region 1 North (R1N) hub is one of 7 regional GMaP hubs, led by Regional Coordinating Directors (RCDs) and inclusive of 8 NON CHES across 6 cancer center sites. The R1N hub is based at the Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, Kentucky. R1N has partnered with Johns Hopkins University's Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Virginia Cancer Center to serve Delaware, Kentucky, West Virginia, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington, DC. RCDs and NON CHEs collaborate to enhance the capacity of regional cancer centers, academic and research partners and community partners to reduce regional cancer health disparities. Identification of preventative screening programs, or “linkages to care,” currently in place across our region and dissemination of this information to key partners was a strategy employed by R1N.
Methods: RCDs conducted a web search of all R1N member institutions and organizations and of NON CHEs cancer outreach, education activities and cancer screening initiatives. Using key search terms such as “cancer screenings,” “cancer education,” “cancer awareness,” “clinical trials” for each cancer type (breast, colon, lung, prostate, cervical and ovarian), they searched within each state and DC as well as queried social media channels (Facebook, Google+, Twitter and YouTube) of each R1N member to reveal “linkages to care” data available for each.
Results: While search engines provided results in response to our query methods described above, we noted that cancer-specific awareness months offer frequencies for NON CHE interactions through member institutions and for community members occur at least once a quarter in correlation with cancer-specific awareness months campaigns. Based on methods used, RCDs successfully developed, implemented, and disseminated the plan to identify Linkages to Care within R1N.
Conclusions: RCDs recommend that R1N member institutions and organizations dedicate web pages to Linkages to Care and adopt social media accounts for their respective public health divisions and/or organizations sponsoring cancer education, outreach, screening initiatives and clinical trials recruitment. The goal is to increase visibility of collaborative efforts among regional cancer centers, academic partners, and minority serving institutions to coordinate Linkages to Care within an NCI CRCHD INP.
Citation Format: Julia F. Houston, Heenali Fozdar, Marcela Blinka, Mark Cromo. Reducing cancer disparities through identification of linkages to care partners within GMaP Region 1 North abstract. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr B110.
Abstract
Introduction: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) Region 1 North (R1N) is one of seven NCI GMaP Regional “hubs”, covering the states of KY, ME, MD, NH, VA, ...VT, WV and DC. A primary goal of GMaP R1N is to facilitate the career development of the next generation of underrepresented cancer researchers by promoting and increasing applications to the NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Program. CURE provides funded training opportunities to students at all career levels to ensure a continuum of career development opportunities in cancer health disparities (CHD) research. CURE is an underutilized option for training for underrepresented minority (URM) students interested in CHD research. GMaP R1N developed and piloted an outreach program targeted to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) with the goal of increasing interest in CHD research and increasing awareness of CURE among HBCU students. Methods: GMaP R1N staff conducted a series of planning calls with NCI GMaP staff to develop a customizable agenda for HBCU pilot events. The group decided on the name “CURE Tour” for branding purposes for promotion and advertising. The agenda for the events included: a) presentation from an experienced CHD researcher; b) presentation from a former CURE trainee regarding his/her experiences; c) introduction to the GMaP Program; and d) knowledge quiz about presentation content (with prizes for winners). GMaP R1N staff developed relationships with staff at HBCUs for promotion of the events and logistics. Pilot “CURE Tour” events were implemented in the spring of 2019. Results: A total of 99 students attended three “CURE Tour” pilot events at Delaware State University (n=38); Coppin State University (n=44); and Morgan State University (n=17). Approximately 98% of attendees were undergraduate students with 2% graduate/doctoral students. Students (n=81) completed post-event surveys. 98% reported learning something new about CHD/CURE that they did not know previously. 92% responded that the event was engaging; 63% expressed interest in CHD research; 66% said they were interested in applying for CURE funding; 96% said they would tell a friend about the event; and 90% reported that they would participate in a future event. Conclusions: The GMaP R1N “CURE Tour” pilot was effective at reaching a primarily undergraduate population of URM students at HBCUs who are interested in CHD research careers. All “CURE Tour” attendees will be tracked in the future regarding CURE funding and CHD careers. The agenda for the “CURE Tour” events was successful in keeping students engaged and providing new information to them regarding CHD research and CURE. Based on the success of the pilot, the same methods will be followed in developing future “CURE Tour” events at other HBCUs. In addition, materials and methods can be used to replicate “CURE Tour” events in other GMaP Regions and for other URM student populations.
Citation Format: Mabinty Conteh, James Zabora, Laundette Jones, Mark Cromo, Julia Houston. The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program “CURE Tour”: Increasing awareness of the NCI Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences Program through outreach to Historically Black Colleges and Universities abstract. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr B003.
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality is disproportionately higher in Appalachian counties of Kentucky than in non-Appalachian regions. Part of the mortality gap can be explained by ...lower screening rates in Appalachian counties. Researchers at Markey Cancer Center partnered with primary care clinics in eastern Kentucky to address this disparity by identifying strategies to implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to improve CRC screening and follow-up in Appalachian Kentucky. Methods: Members of the research team conducted formative research activities to identify multilevel barriers to CRC screening. A menu of EBIs was then created to address these barriers, and clinic champions selected EBIs that were feasible in their respective practices. However, because of restrictions during COVID-19, clinics experienced multiple changes to workflow and operations, necessitating modifications to program activities. Over a series of virtual meetings, clinic champions selected adaptations that could allow clinics to continue promoting CRC screening in their practices despite COVID-related limitations. Results: Changes in clinic staffing and workflow resulting from COVID-19 included provider furloughs, a state-mandated pause in elective procedures, mandatory parking lot visits for many in-person visits, and an increase in telehealth. Among our clinic partners, total in-person visits were reduced by nearly half from first to second quarter of 2020, whereas telehealth visits were 23 times higher, though telehealth visits were cut in half by third quarter. To match these changing modes of practice, clinics adapted creative strategies for communicating CRC screening recommendations to patients, including shifting from paper to digital educational tools, promoting screening via telehealth visits, and prioritizing recommendations for stool-based tests over colonoscopy for average-risk patients. As a result, orders for FIT and FIT-DNA were 2 and 3 times higher, respectively, from second to third quarter of 2020. Conclusion: Rural primary care clinics in Appalachia continue to promote CRC screening despite the multiple challenges related to COVID-19. One relevant reference for clinicians is the National Colorectal Cancer Roundtable’s playbook for reigniting CRC screening during COVID-19, a document that promotes stool-based screening for average-risk patients. While elective procedures remain backlogged in rural areas due to state regulations, research partners should emphasize the need to prioritize stool-based CRC screening for average-risk populations and reserve scheduling colonoscopies for high-risk individuals or those with abnormal stool-based test results. While our clinical partners had previously focused on a “colonoscopy first” approach to screening, our findings suggest that our clinic partners increased orders for stool-based CRC tests. Nevertheless, continued outreach is needed to ensure CRC screening rates remain optimal.
Citation Format: Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr, Mark Cromo, Melinda Rogers, Angela Carman, Bin Huang, David Gross, Sue Russell, Vickie Fairchild, Mark Dignan. Colorectal cancer screening in Appalachian Kentucky primary care clinics during COVID-19 abstract. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Meeting: COVID-19 and Cancer; 2021 Feb 3-5. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2021;27(6_Suppl):Abstract nr P12.
The Appalachian region of the USA includes 423 counties in 13 states positioned along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains stretching from New York to Mississippi. Approximately 42% of Appalachia ...is rural, and while the economy of Appalachia has diversified over the past two decades from reliance on agriculture and coal mining, 176 (41.6%) of the 423 counties are classified as economically distressed or at-risk. Patient navigation (PN) has been shown to be effective as an approach to address multiple barriers and enhance access to healthcare services, and yet there are no known PN programs focusing on the Appalachian population. This project was designed to develop, implement, and evaluate a curriculum and training program for PN for cancer prevention and control in Appalachia. The training program was developed through formative evaluation and offered daylong workshops that provided instruction in 60–90-min modules. Workshop topics included an introduction to PN, Appalachian culture, community needs assessment, communication, financial navigation, and navigation for screening and diagnostic follow-up for breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers. A total of 20 workshops were conducted with 334 attendees. The workshops were evaluated using a mixed-method approach using pre- and posttests and participant evaluations. The overall mean posttest scores increased by 4% from pretest (
p
< 0.05). Evaluation also showed that attendees valued the focus on Appalachian culture and judged the content relevant and useful. Attendees also expressed interest in additional opportunities for similar workshops that expanded upon current topics and allowed for exploration of Appalachian health-related issues.
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EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Abstract
Introduction: The National Cancer Institute (NCI) Center to Reduce Center Health Disparities (CRCHD) Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) initiated in 2009 ...brings together investigators, trainees, students, and community health educators to network and share information, scientific resources, and tools to promote cancer and cancer health disparities research, as well as community education outreach within and across regions. To reach their goals, CRCHD initiated 7 GMaP regional “hubs” across the United States to enhance their capacity in areas of disparities research, contribute to the next generation of researchers, and achieve measurable reductions in cancer health disparities. Each hub is led by Regional Coordinating Directors (RCDs) who facilitate connections, provide funding and training resources and “leverage the strengths of its people, programs, and resources to provide greater access to cancer information.”
Methods: The GMaP Region 1 North (R1N) hub is based at the Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, Kentucky. R1N partners with Johns Hopkins University's Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, the University of South Carolina, and the University of Virginia Cancer Center to serve Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, DC, and West Virginia. The overall goal of GMaP R1N is to enhance the capacity of regional cancer centers, associated academic partners, community partners, and early-stage investigators to contribute to the reduction of cancer health disparities in the region. As part of the Continuing Umbrella of Research Experiences (CURE) Program, GMaP R1N promotes the F31, K series, and Diversity Supplement funding opportunities to potential applicants. R1N implemented pilot awards and travel scholarships for CURE-eligible candidates; developed a listserv to communicate with researchers, trainees, and potential applicants; and maintains regular contact with trainees to answer questions and encourage applications for NCI CURE Program and other grant opportunities.
Results: R1N awarded 11 pilot projects, 22 travel scholarships, helped identify mentors and 146 potential applicants for NCI CURE Program grants, and collaborated with points of contact (POC) at colleges and universities, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities to identify potential applicants for NCI CURE and other funding.
Conclusions: Methods have been successful in increasing interest in NCI Cancer health disparities training opportunities. RCDs are critical in establishing and maintaining linkages to support mentor-mentee relationships supported by available funding mechanisms; to engage institutional support for pre- and post-award activities, especially for new investigators; and for shrinking delays in the IRB review and approval process. RCDs have identified process barriers and work with regional POCs to eliminate these barriers and increase efficiencies to further the GMaP mission.
Citation Format: Marcela Blinka, Mark Cromo, Julia F. Houston, Mark Dignan, Nathan Vanderford, B. Mark Evers, Janice Bowie, Adrian Dobs, James Hebert, Tisha Felder, Roger Anderson. Results to date: Efforts to increase cancer health disparities training in Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program Region 1 North abstract. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A068.
This study describes the development of a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening multilevel intervention with four primary care clinics in rural Appalachian Kentucky. We also discuss barriers experienced ...by the clinics during COVID-19 and how clinic limitations and needs informed project modifications. Four primary care clinics were recruited, key informant interviews with clinic providers were conducted, electronic health record (EHR) capacity to collect data related to CRC screening and follow-up was assessed, and a series of meetings were held with clinic champions to discuss implementation of strategies to impact clinic CRC screening rates. Analysis of interviews revealed multilevel barriers to CRC screening. Patient-level barriers included fatalism, competing priorities, and financial and literacy concerns. The main provider- and clinic-level barriers were provider preference for colonoscopy over stool-based testing and EHR tracking concerns. Clinics selected strategies to address barriers, but the onset of COVID-19 necessitated modifications to these strategies. Due to COVID-19, changes in clinic staffing and workflow occurred, including provider furloughs, a state-mandated pause in elective procedures, and an increase in telehealth. Clinics adapted screening strategies to match changing needs, including shifting from paper to digital educational tools and using telehealth to increase annual wellness visits for screening promotion. While significant delays persist for scheduling colonoscopies, clinics were encouraged to promote stool-based tests as a primary screening modality for average-risk patients.
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Available for:
EMUNI, FIS, FZAB, GEOZS, GIS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, MFDPS, NLZOH, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, SBMB, SBNM, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK, VKSCE, ZAGLJ
Abstract
Introduction: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) is a national NCI program with the goal of increasing cancer health disparities (CHD) research. GMaP ...Region 1 North (R1N) is one of seven GMaP Regional “hubs” based at NCI-designated cancer centers (CCs) across the country, covering the states of DE, KY, ME, MD, NH, VA, VT, WV, and the District of Columbia. The National Outreach Network (NON) is a national NCI program with the goal of conducting cancer education and outreach in underserved communities to reduce CHD. NON Community Health Educators (CHEs) are based at 38 NCI-designated CCs across the country. Six NCI-designated CCs with NON CHEs fall within the GMaP R1N coverage area.
Methods: GMaP R1N staff and NON CHEs within the R1N coverage area met bimonthly to collaborate on the Screen to Save (S2S): NCI Colorectal Cancer (CRC) Outreach and Screening Initiative. The goal of S2S was to educate underserved communities on CRC and CRC screening. NON CHEs conducted the projects in diverse urban and rural communities within their CC catchment areas. Participants attended a CRC education event that provided an inflatable colon or a PowerPoint presentation and completed demographic and pre-/post-event surveys to gauge their knowledge of CRC screening. Surveys were submitted to NCI Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities program staff for review and data entry. Raw data files were returned to NON CHEs and shared with GMaP R1N staff for analysis. R1N staff provided research expertise to compare results between urban and rural S2S participants.
Results: There were a total of 328 participants in S2S (n=200 urban; n=128 rural) in the GMaP R1N/NON coverage area. The median age of urban participants was 59.5 vs. 49.0 for rural participants. 95% of urban participants and 96.1% of rural participants reported having health insurance (public or private). 92.9% of urban and 88.1% of rural participants attained at least a high school diploma or GED. 76.5% of urban and 41.4% of rural participants reported ever being screened for CRC by any method. The percent increase between pre- and post-test scores for the educational intervention was 15% for urban vs. 13.3% for rural participants, with an overall percent increase in knowledge of 14.2%.
Conclusions: The urban and rural participants were similar in educational and health insurance attainment levels. Urban residents reported much higher rates of previous CRC screening than rural residents, but this is likely due to the fact that more rural participants were younger than the recommended CRC initial screening age at the time (age 50). The S2S educational intervention was effective in increasing knowledge of CRC screening among both rural and urban participants, with similar increase between the two groups. Overall, this project demonstrated that two different yet complementary programs, GMaP and NON, can work together by utilizing program strengths to successfully implement an educational intervention conducted across a wide and diverse geographic area.
Citation Format: Mark Cromo, Rhonda Boozer-Yeary, Melinda L. Rogers, Katelyn Schifano, Jenna Schiffelbein, Katherine L. Jones, Marcela Blinka, Julia F. Houston, Betsy Grossman, Lindsay Hauser, James Zabora, Mark B. Dignan, Tracy Onega. Integrating research and outreach to increase CRC screening knowledge in underserved communities: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program and National Outreach Network Screen to Save partnership abstract. In: Proceedings of the Eleventh AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2018 Nov 2-5; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl):Abstract nr A015.
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is lower in Appalachian regions of Kentucky and Ohio than in their non-Appalachian counterparts, with lower screening contributing to increased ...CRC incidence and mortality. To address CRC disparities in these underserved regions, researchers from the University of Kentucky and The Ohio State University partnered with two federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) to develop and implement multilevel interventions (MLIs) during year one of a 5-year National Cancer Institute funded Cancer Moonshot project to increase CRC screening and follow-up in Appalachian Kentucky and Ohio. Methods: Drawing from the Model for the Analysis of Population Health and Health Disparities and using a social determinants of health framework, researchers selected and partnered with Community Advisory Boards (CAB) to guide project formation in two Appalachian counties, one in Kentucky and one in Ohio. These formative activities included creating community profiles, conducting key informant interviews with clinic and community champions, and completing data inventories to assess clinic capacity, ultimately resulting in two primary care clinics being selected for pilot year implementation activities. Results: Key informant interviews revealed barriers to CRC screening at multiple levels: patient (e.g., fear of screening results), provider (e.g., competing priorities), clinic (e.g., lack of reminder or tracking systems), and community (e.g., cultural norms). Clinic champions were provided with menus of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) to address barriers at each level and were encouraged to select locally relevant, implementable EBIs. Clinics chose to implement the following EBIs: improved patient education materials (patient-level), additional provider education (provider-level), improvement of electronic health record (EHR) reporting and creation of clinic-wide screening protocols (clinic-level), and provision of interactive screening education at community events (community- level). Conclusion: Results from pilot year activities were used to refine the project approach for years two through five. Project activities will be expanded to 10 more Appalachian counties in Kentucky and Ohio using a design wherein counties will be paired by participating clinic patient volume. As in pilot year activities, clinic/community champions will be encouraged to select EBIs appropriate to their patients, providers, clinics, and communities. To measure clinical outcomes, self- reported screening will be monitored using data from county-wide telephone surveys with additional data from clinic EHRs. Using an MLI approach may be well- received in underserved rural Appalachian communities and may ultimately be successful at reducing CRC screening disparities.
Citation Format: Aaron J. Kruse-Diehr, Jill M. Oliveri, Mira L. Katz, Mark Cromo, Robin C. Vanderpool, Michael L. Pennell, Darrell M. Gray II, Paul L. Reiter, Bin Huang, Gregory S. Young, Darla Fickle, Melinda Rogers, David Gross, Sue Russell, Electra D. Paskett, Mark Dignan. Increasing colorectal cancer screening in rural underserved communities with multilevel interventions: Formative evaluation of accelerating colorectal cancer screening and follow-up through implementation science in Appalachia abstract. In: Proceedings of the AACR Virtual Conference: Thirteenth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2020 Oct 2-4. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(12 Suppl):Abstract nr PO-253.
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of the Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP) regional networks is to establish a multi-institutional framework to support and expand ...research and training of cancer health disparities researchers and trainees to reduce cancer-related health disparities. This study examined the efficacy of communication strategies within GMaP Regions 1 and 2 (R1R2) to improve uptake of communication and dissemination of jobs, training, fellowship, and collaboration opportunities over a two year period.
Background: An unequal burden of cancer among population groups exists in the United States. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) defines cancer health disparities as “adverse differences in cancer incidence, prevalence, morbidity, mortality, survivorship, and burden of cancer or related health conditions that exist among specific population groups in the United States.” Collaborative efforts across institutions within geographic regions have been limited despite previous efforts. Therefore, NCI's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD) created GMaP, which consists of five hubs throughout the U.S. to increase collaborative efforts to reduce cancer health disparities intra- and inter-regionally. GMaP R1R2 includes 11 Eastern states and the District of Columbia. Members of GMaP R1R2 identified the need for an improved infrastructure to streamline program communications and facilitate collaborative efforts across a large membership group within R1R2.
Methods: A communications strategy was developed to improve efficiency and measure uptake. GMaP R1R2 launched an online platform including a Google® website that integrated social media, Google® applications, infographics and additional media channels for broader dissemination efforts. Google+ Circle®, Twitter®, and Facebook® accounts were created for R1R2. MailChimp® was selected for newsletter distribution replacing ineffective email communications to investigators of all career levels.
Results: Built-in analytics for each platform reflected uptake, which informed Program and Regional coordinator efforts. The GMaP R1R2 Google+ Circle® recruited 129 members and its Google® website averaged 1807 page views. MailChimp® includes an average of 920 subscribers. These members are grouped into 3 different listservs including GMaP R1/R2 Overall Group Email, Trainee's E-Blast, and Minority Serving Institutions (MSI) E-Blast. GMaP R1/R2 Group has an average open rate of 24.16%. The Trainee's E-blast group has an average open rate of 36.49%. The majority of these recipients viewed job and training opportunities, CRCHD Funding for Research and Training, and Funding Opportunities posted on the GMaP R1R2 website. The MSI list was created to recruit CURE trainees from minority serving institutes and had an average open rate of 20.87%. The MSI E-Blast revealed that information about CURE, Job/Training opportunities, CRCHD Funding for Research and Training, and Funding opportunities links were the most viewed (“clicks”) of the MailChimp® newsletter.
Conclusion: Improved communication and dissemination efforts were realized through the use of electronic media tools to address cancer-related health disparities by GMaP R1R2. Regional Coordinators cite that analytics reports provide valuable information for future communications and online development efforts. Additional research is needed to poll GMaP R1R2 listserv members to learn about the usefulness of this communications platform, the preferred method of social media communication among GMaP R1R2 network members and how to increase their contribution to the current platform for broader dissemination.
Citation Format: Julia F. Houston, Neha Jaggi, James R. Hebert, Ashleigh D. Gallagher, Mark Cromo, Athena Kheibari. Impact of targeted communications within a National Cancer Institute Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities Geographical Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program Regional Network. abstract. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A16.
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