The special sauce of the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network: 20 years of lessons learned in developing the evidence base, building community capacity, and translating research into practice

Abstract

Purpose The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) is a national network focused on accelerating the translation of cancer prevention and control research evidence into practice through collaborative, multicenter projects in partnership with diverse communities. From 2003 to 2022, the CPCRN included 613 members. Methods We: (1) characterize the extent and nature of collaborations through a bibliometric analysis of 20 years of Network publications; and (2) describe key features and functions of the CPCRN as related to organizational structure, productivity, impact, and focus on health equity, partnership development, and capacity building through analysis of 22 in-depth interviews and review of Network documentation. Results Searching Scopus for multicenter publications among the CPCRN members from their time of Network engagement yielded 1,074 collaborative publications involving two or more members. Both the overall number and content breadth of multicenter publications increased over time as the Network matured. Since 2004, members submitted 123 multicenter grant applications, of which 72 were funded (59%), totaling more than $77 million secured. Thematic analysis of interviews revealed that the CPCRN’s success—in terms of publication and grant productivity, as well as the breadth and depth of partnerships, subject matter expertise, and content area foci—is attributable to: (1) its people–the inclusion of members representing diverse content-area interests, multidisciplinary perspectives, and geographic contexts; (2) dedicated centralized structures and processes to enable and evaluate collaboration; and (3) focused attention to strategically adapting to change. Conclusion CPCRN’s history highlights organizational, strategic, and practical lessons learned over two decades to optimize Network collaboration for enhanced collective impact in cancer prevention and control. These insights may be useful to others seeking to leverage collaborative networks to address public health problems.

Examining provider perceptions and practices for comprehensive geriatric assessment among cancer survivors: a qualitative study with an implementation science focus

“…Qualitative interview findings are presented according to the four thematic content categories identified ( Mohile et al, 2018 ): purpose and value of a CGA and how this is communicated to patients and families ( Leeman et al, 2019 ), CGA administration logistics ( Wheeler et al, 2023 ), barriers and facilitators to CGA implementation, and ( White et al, 2019 ) implementation training preferences and needs.…”

“…Functional status 5 IDLs/IADLs (Wheeler et al, 2023); Observation (Mohile et al, 2018); SF36 (Mohile et al, 2018) Cognition 6 Mini-Cog (Leeman et al, 2019); MMSE (Mohile et al, 2018); Mini-Cog/MOCA (Mohile et al, 2018); PROMIS (Mohile et al, 2018); Blessed Test, then MOCA (Mohile et al, 2018) Depression 6 Geriatric Depression Scale (Wheeler et al, 2023); PROMIS (Mohile et al, 2018); GDS as part of SAOP (Mohile et al, 2018); Screening questionnaire (Mohile et al, 2018) Nutrition 5 Mini Nutrition Assessment (Wheeler et al, 2023); BMI calculation (Mohile et al, 2018); Patient Generated Subject Global Assessment (Mohile et al, 2018) Gait and balance 6 Clinic question (Mohile et al, 2018); Performance battery (Mohile et al, 2018); Short Physical Performance Battery and grip strength (Mohile et al, 2018); Short Physical Performance Battery (Mohile et al, 2018); Observation (Mohile et al, 2018); Fall history (Mohile et al, 2018) Cumulative illness rating 2 Considered part of comorbidity (Mohile et al, 2018); "specific calculator" (Mohile et al, 2018) Comorbidities 6 Geriatric-specific Comorbidity Index (Wheeler et al, 2023); Charleston Comorbidity Index (Leeman et al, 2019); Chart review (Mohile et al, 2018) Quality of life 4 Considered advanced care planning discussion (Mohile et al, 2018); PROMIS Global-10 (Mohile et al, 2018); SAOP3 (Mohile et al, 2018); Self-reported quality of life (Mohile et al, 2018) Frontiers in Aging frontiersin.org So a geriatric assessment which is a multidimensional evaluation of a number of domains that a regular oncologist normally will not evaluate, that assessment allows you to. .…”

“…The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) is a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-funded collaborative. The current CPCRN network consists of a funded coordinating center and eight funded research institutions ( Leeman et al, 2019 ; White et al, 2019 ; Wheeler et al, 2023 ). The network has extensive experience conducting cancer control interventions of various types and in partnering with communities and clinical partners in dissemination and implementation (D&I) research and evaluation activities ( Wheeler et al, 2023 ).…”

“…The current CPCRN network consists of a funded coordinating center and eight funded research institutions ( Leeman et al, 2019 ; White et al, 2019 ; Wheeler et al, 2023 ). The network has extensive experience conducting cancer control interventions of various types and in partnering with communities and clinical partners in dissemination and implementation (D&I) research and evaluation activities ( Wheeler et al, 2023 ). Many of these efforts focus either directly on patients with cancer or individuals at high risk of cancer and other chronic disease comorbidities.…”