Achieving Equitable Lung Cancer Screening Implementation in a Texas Safety Net Health System

A lung cancer screening program using low dose CT (LDCT) in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in Central Texas was developed and assessed for equitable implementation.

From 11/2020-8/2023, patients aged 55-77 years who currently smoked or quit within 15 years with ≥20 pack-years of exposure were identified through EHR query and mailed outreach, or through direct provider referrals. A bilingual social worker confirmed eligibility, provided telecare shared decision-making (SDM), coordinated screening, and offered smoking cessation. To assess equity, LDCT completion across demographics was compared, in 2023.

A total of 6,486 patients were mailed outreach materials; 479 patients responded, of whom 108 (22.5%) were eligible and 71 (65.7%) participated in SDM. 629 eligible patients were referred internally; 579 (92.0%) completed SDM. Of the 650 patients who completed SDM, 636 (97.8%) agreed to screening. Mean age was 61.7 years; 38.1% were female. The population was diverse: 35.8% identified as Latino, 17.8% as African American, 26.8% had Medicare or Medicaid, 48.0% used the county medical assistance program, 14.2% were uninsured, and 76.7% currently smoked. Overall, 528 (83.0%) patients completed LDCT. There were no statistically significant differences in completion by age, gender, race/ethnicity, or insurance status. Spanish-speaking patients were more likely to complete the CT than English speakers (OR 2.22, 95% CI=1.22, 4.41) and those who formerly smoked were more likely to complete the CT than patients who currently smoked (OR 1.93, 95% CI=1.12, 3.51).

The navigator-centered program achieved equitable implementation of lung cancer screening in a diverse FQHC system.