286180
A model for cancer assessments that generate effective local action targeting cancer disparities: Role of the quality of cancer care continuum
Tuesday, November 5, 2013
: 9:00 a.m. - 9:15 a.m.
Resa Jones, MPH, PhD,
Division of Epidemiology, Department of Family Medicine and Population Health, School of Medicine & Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Jim Martin, Ph.D.,
Virginia Cancer Registry, Virginia Department of Health, Richmond, VA
Brian Cassel, Ph.D.,
Hematology Oncology & Palliative Care, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Maghboeba Mosavel, Ph.D.,
Department of Social and Behavioral Health, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA
Timur Korshin,
School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
Background: Southern Virginia has significant cancer health disparities compared to the rest of the Commonwealth. To improve cancer outcomes, quality service along the cancer care continuum is essential. Cultural, environmental, social, and personal influences on health behavior must be understood to decrease cancer risk through healthy choices and promote timely detection and treatment. We conducted a comprehensive assessment of cancer-related resources, health behaviors and attitudes in four Southern Virginia health districts to reduce cancer disparities. Methods: The model needs assessment was conducted at the community level by local health educators with direction from a university-based team, overseen by a state-wide advisory committee. Standard processes and data collection tools were employed across health districts for key informant interviews (n=29), community focus groups (n=20 general population groups; n=19 cancer survivor groups), and provider surveys (n=110). Secondary data analyses of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) and Virginia Cancer Registry data were also completed. Results: The needs assessment highlights opportunities for population-level impact at key steps in the Quality of Cancer Care Continuum around which groups and organizations can develop locally-relevant intervention strategies (e.g., barriers to health choices, early detection, and timely access to care). Findings resulted in local, collaborative, multi-factorial interventions addressing multiple levels of change for disparity reduction. Conclusion: Assessment of community cancer-related needs with an organizational framework of the Quality of Cancer Care Continuum (with addition of primary prevention) is effective in providing local-level community groups direction for culturally appropriate, effective action to remove barriers to care and improve health.
Learning Areas:
Assessment of individual and community needs for health education
Public health or related public policy
Systems thinking models (conceptual and theoretical models), applications related to public health
Learning Objectives:
Define the components of an effective cancer needs assessment.
Keyword(s): Cancer, Health Disparities
Presenting author's disclosure statement:Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I manage the extension of cancer information and research into the larger service community of the Massey Cancer Center through the formation of community partnerships and networks. I assist in the development and implementation of outreach activities to address identified community needs related to cancer. I am the Principal Investigator and/or Co-Investigator on multiple projects that use a community based approach to assess health needs and develop evidenced-based interventions to respond to those needs.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines,
and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed
in my presentation.
