Adapting Evidence-Based Cancer Control Programs for the Emergency Department

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Preventive Medicine
• Emergency Medicine

Background:

• Emergency departments (EDs) are crucial safety nets for underserved populations, offering opportunities for preventive health measures like cancer screening.
• Despite the potential, research on implementing cancer screening in EDs is limited due to the unique clinical context.
• Tailored strategies are needed to integrate cancer screening programs effectively within the unpredictable ED environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the adaptability of National Cancer Institute's Evidence-Based Cancer Control Programs (EBCCP) breast cancer screening models for the ED setting.
• To summarize EBCCP resources, outline principles for ED cancer screening, and discuss implementation strategies.
• To encourage the development of ED-based cancer screening initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Convened 5 expert emergency physicians and researchers to assess EBCCP models.
• Reviewed the EBCCP website for relevant cancer screening interventions.
• Applied a scoring method to evaluate breast cancer screening programs for ED adaptability.

Main Results:

• The EBCCP website offers well-organized, searchable resources for implementation.
• A scoring method was applied to breast cancer screening programs, with results discussed.
• Principles for ED screening and potential implementation strategies were outlined.

Conclusions:

• The EBCCP provides foundational resources that stakeholders can adapt or combine for specific populations.
• Emergency medicine leaders are encouraged to implement evidence-based cancer screening in EDs.
• Adapting these interventions can address knowledge gaps, reach underserved patients, and enhance cancer health equity.