Project Summary: This mixed methods study has a long-term goal of removing barriers to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening at Community Health Centers (CHCs) in MA. Broadly, CHCs have CRC screening rates that fall far short of the national average, and with the new US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) CRC screening guidelines that include screening ages 45-49, strategies are needed to understand and address ways that CHCs can increase CRC screening uptake shortly after the age of eligibility.
We will enhance understanding of the impact of these new screening guidelines on CHCs by quantitatively describing the baseline screening needs and disparities in MA CHCs and interviewing patients and key personnel to identify barriers and facilitators to screening. We will then use rapid cycle testing to try out different implementation strategies that are matched to barriers and facilitators at the patient, provider, and system level that are identified by CHCs. This project will provide insight into implementation strategies that are feasible and effective to increase the uptake of colorectal cancer screening at MA CHCs, in support of improving equitable outcomes.
Project Lead: Adjoa Anyane-Yeboa