ASPO Abstracts
Factors Contributing to Successful Implementation Science Research Partnerships with Community Clinics Conducting Cancer Control Research
Category: Behavioral Science & Health Communication
Conference Year: 2022
Abstract Body:
Purpose: To understand the motivations, experiences, satisfaction, and challenges of clinical practices that collaborate on cancer control implementation science (IS) research in order to guide researchers in forming stronger partnerships.Methods: We conducted semi-structured interviews with 14 stakeholders at oncology and primary care practices that participated in two pragmatic IS trials on smoking cessation and cancer screening. Interviews covered: positive and negative experiences participating in IS research, interest in future IS studies, and interest in IS capacity building activities. Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed; results were summarized using a thematic analysis approach. Results: We interviewed 14 stakeholders (3 physicians, 1 nurse practitioner, 1 clinical nurse, 5 clinic or program managers/administrators, 4 research managers/administrators; 2 males, 12 females; 13 white, non-Hispanic). Reported clinic primary motivations for participating in the IS trial included: gaining access to study interventions (n=11) and improving care delivery (n=8). Only two reported that being involved in research was a primary motivation, while three pointed to meeting the expectations of belonging to a research network. Retrospectively, most stakeholders identified improvements in clinical care as the most important benefit they received from participating in research (n=10). Benefits related to research relationships or knowledge were identified as most important by 4 stakeholders. With regards to positive support provided by the research team, themes included communication, tailoring and adaptation of the intervention to fit the local context, and study investigators visiting the participating site. Study topics of greatest interest to stakeholders included: interventions to improve cancer care, technology-based interventions, quality improvement methods, and health equity.Conclusions: Clinic-based research partners value cancer control research with a direct impact on patients and improved care delivery and that honors flexibility for adaptation, given local context. IS researchers can strengthen partnerships with clinics through in-person engagement and frequent two-way communication with clinic staff. Funding support: P50CA244693; 2P30CA012197
Keywords: implementation science, cancer control, engagement, screening