Perspectives from a multi-stakeholder workshop for implementing a risk-stratified breast cancer screening program in...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Healthcare Systems
• Oncology

Background:

• Population-wide risk-stratified breast screening (RSBS) implementation necessitates collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
• Complex healthcare systems require adaptive strategies for successful integration of new screening protocols.

Purpose of the Study:

• To co-envision a national RSBS program in Canada through multi-stakeholder collaboration.
• To develop actionable plans for RSBS implementation, including care pathways, roadmaps, stakeholder engagement, and workforce training.

Main Methods:

• Convened a multi-stakeholder workshop with 34 Canadian policymakers, breast screening program leaders, and healthcare professionals.
• Focused on defining key components for RSBS program design and implementation.

Main Results:

• Proposed a national, flexible RSBS strategy with adaptable risk assessment entry points and timings.
• Recommended interoperable IT systems, a phased roll-out approach, and an embedded learning healthcare system.
• Generated actionable plans to support RSBS implementation in Canada.

Conclusions:

• The developed plans provide a framework for RSBS implementation in Canada.
• The insights gained are transferable to diverse international settings for planning RSBS programs.