The Colorectal Cancer Prevention Network (CCPN) at the University of South Carolina collaborates with five healthcare systems to implement evidence-based interventions (EBI) using continuous quality improvement (CQI) methods to increase colorectal cancer screenings (CRCS). Through this partnership, primary care clinics were onboarded, and CCPN provided virtual interactive technical assistance to guide clinic teams through process mapping and root cause analysis. This approach helped identify EBIs that would effectively boost CRCS rates.

After determining future-state clinic workflows, CCPN partnered with Washington University, St. Louis, to utilize the Clinical Sustainability Assessment Tool (CSAT), a 35-question self-assessment for clinical staff and stakeholders. The CSAT results informed the development of sustainability plans tailored to each healthcare system. Each system selected one of seven domains, crafted an aim statement with actionable steps, designated responsible staff, and defined success metrics. The CCPN and the Center for Public Health Systems Science (CPHSS) supported these efforts by facilitating quarterly team touchpoints to monitor progress.

The combined use of CQI and the Clinical Sustainability Framework provided a structured process for improving clinic workflows and increasing CRCS. Clinics were able to identify and implement resources that enhanced teamwork and reduced missed opportunities during patient visits, particularly among hard-to-reach and at-risk populations.

You Will Learn: 

• How the CCPN and CPHSS sustainability plan developed Cooperative Health, a network with 12 participating primary care clinics. 
• How consistent training and workflows across all Cooperative Health clinics identified patient gaps 
• About the successes and challenges in creating and implementing sustainability plans, 
• Replicable best practices for other healthcare systems seeking to improve quality measures and health equity