The New England Division Tell a Friend Program Implementation Evaluation

Tell A Friend (TAF) is the nationwide program of the American Cancer Society that aims to decrease breast cancer mortality by encouraging unscreened women to have mammograms using a peer-to-peer approach. An evaluation via the Collaborative Evaluation Fellows Project attempted to identify barriers and facilitators to successful implementation of TAF in the New England division. The proposed method included three surveys; this was revised because of a low response rate to the initial e-mailed survey. The actual method included one shortened survey and one follow-up survey. Results are presented for an initial and shortened survey for staff and a follow-up survey of respondents. Initial TAF implementation timelines were unrealistic, and the field staff encountered many barriers to implementation of TAF in the targeted communities. Changes are being made in training, management, and resources to ensure successful implementation. Continuous re-evaluation is planned to ensure the successful implementation and conduct of the program.