Published in:
01-12-2012
Challenges to Replicating Evidence-Based Research in Real-World Settings: Training African-American peers as Patient Navigators for Colon Cancer Screening
Authors:
Jamilia R. Sly, Lina Jandorf, Rayhana Dhulkifl, Diana Hall, Tiffany Edwards, Adam J. Goodman, Elithea Maysonet, Sulaiman Azeez
Published in:
Journal of Cancer Education
|
Issue 4/2012
Login to get access
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.