Publications by authors named "Mark Cromo"

Background: Despite the promise of mail-based human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection programs for increasing cervical cancer screening, few have been evaluated in the United States. We report the results of a mail-based HPV self-collection program for underscreened women living in Appalachia.

Methods: We conducted a group randomized trial from 2021 to 2022 in the Appalachian regions of Kentucky, Ohio, Virginia, and West Virgnia.

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Appalachian regions of Kentucky and Ohio are hotspots for colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality in the USA. Screening reduces CRC incidence and mortality; however, screening uptake is needed, especially in these underserved geographic areas. Implementation science offers strategies to address this challenge.

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Background: Although patient navigation has shown promise for increasing participation in colorectal cancer screening and follow-up, little evidence is available to guide implementation of patient navigation in clinical practice. We characterize 8 patient navigation programs being implemented as part of multi-component interventions of the National Cancer Institute's Cancer Moonshot Accelerating Colorectal Cancer Screening and Follow-Up Through Implementation Science (ACCSIS) initiative.

Methods: We developed a data collection template organized by ACCSIS framework domains.

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The Appalachian region of the USA includes 423 counties in 13 states positioned along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains stretching from New York to Mississippi. Approximately 42% of Appalachia is rural, and while the economy of Appalachia has diversified over the past two decades from reliance on agriculture and coal mining, 176 (41.6%) of the 423 counties are classified as economically distressed or at-risk.

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Background: Informed decision aids provide information in the context of the patient's values and improve informed decision making (IDM). To overcome barriers that interfere with IDM, our team developed an innovative iPad-based application (aka "app") to help patients make informed decisions about colorectal cancer screening. The app assesses patients' eligibility for screening, educates them about their options, and empowers them to request a test via the interactive decision aid.

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Article Synopsis
  • Colorectal cancer screening rates are lower in Appalachian areas, so a project called ACCSIS is trying to improve this situation in Kentucky and Ohio.
  • This project involves local communities and experts to create helpful plans that fit their needs.
  • They found out that people have many reasons for not getting screened, like fear and financial issues, and they are developing strategies to overcome these barriers.
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This study describes the development of a colorectal cancer (CRC) screening multilevel intervention with four primary care clinics in rural Appalachian Kentucky. We also discuss barriers experienced by the clinics during COVID-19 and how clinic limitations and needs informed project modifications. Four primary care clinics were recruited, key informant interviews with clinic providers were conducted, electronic health record (EHR) capacity to collect data related to CRC screening and follow-up was assessed, and a series of meetings were held with clinic champions to discuss implementation of strategies to impact clinic CRC screening rates.

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