Evaluating Lung Cancer Screening Across Diverse Healthcare Systems: A Process Model from the Lung PROSPR Consortium.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Oncology
• Radiology

Background:

• Annual low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening (LCS) is recommended for high-risk individuals by organizations like the United States Preventive Services Task Force.
• Despite recommendations and national coverage, LCS uptake in the US is below 4%.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the utilization and outcomes of LCS across diverse populations.
• To assess how variations in LCS program implementation impact outcomes.
• To present the PROSPR LCS process model for improving LCS.

Main Methods:

• The Lung PROSPR Research Consortium, funded by the NCI, includes five diverse healthcare systems.
• Various methods and data sources are used to examine LCS utilization and outcomes.
• A process model is presented outlining steps from risk assessment to treatment.

Main Results:

• The PROSPR LCS process model details interrelated steps for completing the screening process.
• The model aims to guide research projects and provide insights for community practice implementation.
• Understanding variations in LCS implementation is key to improving outcomes.

Conclusions:

• The PROSPR LCS process model offers a framework for implementing, evaluating, and improving LCS.
• Addressing low LCS uptake requires understanding and optimizing the entire screening process.
• This model can enhance LCS outcomes in community settings.