This study aims to increase cancer screening among limited English proficient (LEP) populations by building the capacity of community health workers (CHWs) to select, adapt, and implement evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for cancer prevention and control. Cancer prevention and control among LEP communities is a national priority, and National Cancer Institute (NCI) has identified implementation science as key to increasing adoption of EBIs. However, EBIs are underused in these communities due to low awareness and use of EBIs. Dr. Ko’s research team has developed an implementation strategy (coined Implementation Studio) to build the capacity of CHWs employed by community-based organizations (CBO) to select, adapt, and implement EBIs for cancer prevention and control with funding from CDC. The objective of the Implementation Studio is to build knowledge of EBIs and skills on the implementation of EBIs in CBO setting. Implementation Studio was pilot tested with CHWs who serve Spanish speaking Latinos in rural communities through virtual training.

Building on the success of their pilot study, Dr. Ko and the team will expand the training beyond Spanish speaking CHWs and rural communities. The project aims to conduct and evaluate the Implementation Studio with CHWs who serve LEP communities to select, adapt, and implement EBIs to promote cancer screening. The project will build the institutional capacity of CBOs and interpersonal capacity of CHWs and aims to address cancer screening disparities among LEP communities in Washington State.