LISTOS for Cancer Control - Leveraging Implementation Science To Optimize Strategies for Cancer Control - ABSTRACT Populations in Mexico and Latin America experience substantial cancer-related health inequities compared to those in high-income countries. Poor implementation of evidence-based cancer control interventions (EBIs) is, in part, to blame. We propose to establish a new Center: Leveraging Implementation Science To Optimize Strategies (LISTOS) for Cancer Control to advance global implementation science (IS) in cancer control in Mexico and Latin America. Through two research studies that address critical cancer control needs, and two cores (Administrative, and Research Capacity Building), the LISTOS Center will: 1) build organizational readiness for implementation of cancer control EBIs in Mexico; and 2) build readiness for implementation research through capacity building, training, and mentorship. The LISTOS Center has two content-related subthemes corresponding to the two primary ways that cancer control EBIs can be “optimized”: 1) adapting EBIs and implementation strategies to improve fit with the diverse populations and settings in Mexico; and 2) developing implementation strategies to improve and accelerate EBI adoption, integration, scale-up, and sustainment in Mexico. These subthemes are integrated across the research projects and cores. The Administrative and Engagement Core will provide leadership; offer administrative support, coordination, communication, and engagement activities; and lead dissemination efforts. Leveraging substantial IS training experience, existing programs, and a strong and diverse team of investigators, mentors, and partners, the Research Capacity Building Core will support a range of activities to train the next generation of IS leaders throughout Latin America. The LISTOS center cores will support two innovative research studies that will increase the reach, effectiveness, and sustainment of cancer early detection in health care systems that serve disadvantaged populations in Mexico, using innovative and scalable implementation strategies. These studies aim to: 1) increase the adoption, implementation, and sustainment of CRCS EBIs in a public insurance healthcare system; and 2) integrate breast cancer rapid diagnosis pathways across health services available for the uninsured. The Center utilizes innovative and tailored approaches that will enable a new generation of LMIC-based researchers to conduct research that will accelerate and improve the use of effective and scalable cancer control EBIs. The aims will both advance the science of implementation in LMICs (measurement, adaptation, and strategy development) and create a sustainable infrastructure that will enable continued contributions to the field for years to come.
