Technical Assistance and Training Needs of Comprehensive Cancer Control Programs: a Qualitative Analysis

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Cancer Control
• Health Services Research

Background:

• The National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) was established by the CDC in 1998 to enhance cancer control implementation nationwide.
• Technical Assistance and Training (TAT) is crucial for building the capacity of NCCCP recipients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the technical assistance and training (TAT) needs of National Comprehensive Cancer Control Program (NCCCP) recipients.
• To inform future TAT planning and implementation based on practitioner feedback.

Main Methods:

• A qualitative evaluation was conducted by the George Washington University (GW) Cancer Center.
• Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from comprehensive cancer control practitioners on TAT utilization, applicability, impact, and dissemination.
• Interview data were deductively coded based on themes of TAT promotion, utilization, and future recommendations.

Main Results:

• Practitioners expressed a need for diverse TAT topics, modalities, and reminders.
• The most utilized TAT resources included social media toolkits, webinars, newsletters, patient navigation resources, and online trainings.
• Key recommendations for future TAT focused on coalition support, adapting evidence-based strategies, and prioritizing health equity.

Conclusions:

• A blended approach to TAT, incorporating educational webinars and trainings, is preferred by professionals and can enhance engagement.
• Future TAT initiatives should prioritize coalition capacity building, the adaptation and evaluation of evidence-based cancer control strategies, and advancing health equity.