Translating catchment area cancer burden into metrics using the logic model: Insights from the Population Science Working Group of the Big 10 Cancer Research Consortium.

Abstract

Background: In 2021, the National Cancer Institute issued updated guidelines clarifying the mandated mission and organizational structure for describing Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) within the Cancer Center Support Grant. These guidelines documented ways that cancer centers should address the needs of the catchment area and how COE teams engage their catchment population in cancer research and its application for their benefit. The logic model has been adopted by COE leaders to provide a schematic for presenting, implementing, and evaluating, and translating catchment area needs into aims, activities, and outcomes that reduce cancer burden.

Methods: Ten Big 10 Cancer Center leaders completed a survey describing the origins and components of their center's logic model, identified challenges, and provided recommendations for improving the consistency of the evaluation process.

Results: Limitations included lack of inclusion of short-and intermediate-term outcomes, missing performance metrics, low correspondence between aims, activities, and outcomes, and limited information about resources, activities, and outcomes of COE.

Discussion: As catchment area needs evolve, cancer centers will need to re-prioritize the deployment of their resources. Addressing additional needs while maintaining progress on existing long-term goals will require attention to resource allocation and strategic planning.