Challenges to replicating evidence-based research in real-world settings: training African-American peers as patient navigators for colon cancer screening

J Cancer Educ. 2012 Dec;27(4):680-6. doi: 10.1007/s13187-012-0395-3.

Abstract

Many cancer-prevention interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in diverse populations, but these evidenced-based findings slowly disseminate into practice. The current study describes the process of disseminating and replicating research (i.e., peer patient navigation for colonoscopy screening) in real-world settings. Two large metropolitan hospitals collaborated to replicate a peer patient navigation model within their existing navigation systems. Six African-American peer volunteers were recruited and trained to navigate patients through colonoscopy scheduling and completion. Major challenges included: (1) operating within multiple institutional settings; (2) operating within nonacademic/research infrastructures; (3) integrating into an established navigation system; (4) obtaining support of hospital staff without overburdening; and (5) competing priorities and time commitments. Bridging the gap between evidence-based research and practice is critical to eliminating many cancer health disparities; therefore, it is crucial that researchers and practitioners continue to work to achieve both diffusion and fusion of evidence-based findings. Recommendations for addressing these challenges are discussed.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Black or African American / education*
  • Colonic Neoplasms / diagnosis
  • Colonic Neoplasms / ethnology
  • Colonic Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Early Detection of Cancer*
  • Education
  • Evidence-Based Medicine / education*
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Health Personnel / education*
  • Humans