A number of CPDE projects focus on evaluation and research in clinical settings and healthcare systems on initiatives focused on systems change, community outreach, and quality improvement.
Health and healthcare-related projects include:
Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC)
The Breast Cancer Surveillance Consortium (BCSC) is a collaborative network of breast imaging registries conducting research to assess and improve the delivery and quality of breast cancer screening and related patient outcomes in the United States. CPDE has an ongoing evaluation and research partnership with the BCSC on multiple current and completed projects. One project explores women’s decision-making processes to schedule, cancel, or postpone mammograms during the Covid-19 pandemic. (Funders: PCORI & National Cancer Institute)
Colorectal Cancer Surveillance Screening
CPDE is working with Dr. Audrey Calderwood and her team on an NIH Exploratory/Developmental Research Grant Award (R21) that seeks to inform decision-making about when to stop surveillance colonoscopy, and identify factors that influence patient and provider (primary care and specialist) decision-making around surveillance colonoscopy. (Funder: National Cancer Institute)
Dartmouth-Hitchcock Norris Cotton Cancer Center (NCCC)
CPDE is working with the NCCC’s Advisory Committee to explore the experience of rural patients and their medical teams as patients transition from active cancer treatment into survivorship monitoring. This project uses phone interviews, online focus groups, and surveys to gather and analyze the experiences of cancer survivors, oncology staff, and primary care staff. (Funder: National Cancer Institute)
Decision Making in Transmasculine Genital Reconstruction Surgery
CPDE has partnered with urology surgeon Dr. Rachel Moses and colleagues at DHMC and the University of Utah to explore the decision-making factors of those considering transmasculine genital reconstruction surgery (TMGRS) to inform the development of a surgical decision aid. CPDE is conducting semi-structured interviews with a mix of individuals pre- and post-GRS and providers from the two sites to identify the information needs and supports of those considering TMGRS. Participants also complete a number of standardized measures to assess quality of life, physical health, gender congruence, mental well-being, and decisional conflict. Data will be combined with results of a systematic literature review and Delphi study with a team of transgender medical experts to create a prototype TMGRS decision aid which includes surgical options, outcome probabilities and risks. (Funder: National Institutes of Health)
New Hampshire Colorectal Cancer Screening Program
The goal of NHCRCSP is to increase high quality colorectal cancer screening rates at partnering primary care clinics and health centers in New Hampshire. NHCRCSP staff members work with partner sites to implement and strengthen strategies that have been shown to improve quality and completions of colorectal cancer screenings. CPDE collaborates with the NHCRCSP team to design a readiness assessment tool of partner clinics and perform program evaluation including annual assessment of partners’ progress, facilitators to implementing interventions, and challenges and barriers with implementation. (Funder: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)