Towards large-scale adaption and tailored implementation of evidence-based primary cancer prevention programmes in Europe and beyond (PIECES)

Background

The high and growing global burden of cancer requires the effective implementation of primary cancer prevention (PCP) programs targeting modifiable risk factors. However, despite the existence of effective programs, they often fail in practice due to sub-optimal adaptation and implementation strategies that do not respond to the new context.

 

Objectives

The PIECES Project aims to develop, evaluate, and disseminate a specific implementation methodological framework for cancer known as the Integrated PCP Implementation Kit across six modifiable cancer risk factors: tobacco, alcohol, sun exposure, human papillomavirus, nutrition, and physical activity.

PIECES offers an ideal naturalistic laboratory to study and enhance the expansion and implementation of PCP programs. The main objective of the project is to provide a systematic evidence-based process through a digital web tool that facilitates the identification, selection, and adaptation of PCP programs, as well as the development of evidence-based implementation strategies addressing local barriers and limitations. The tool will provide a comprehensive repository of PCP programs, along with materials aimed at adapting and implementing these programs to the needs and local culture of future implementers.

 

Methods

PIECES is structured in two phases:

The first phase is aimed at developing a digital tool that guides the selection, adaptation, and implementation of PCP.

The second phase involves a comparative case study in multiple locations across 8 different countries to assess and optimize the adaptation and the implementation outcomes. Additionally, an in-depth realistic evaluation will be conducted, employing various sociological theories to provide information on the processes by which these results are achieved.

 

Duration

4 years (June 2023 – May 2027)

 

Project reference

101104390

Funding

€6.9 million (€1.25 million from ICO)

 

Coordination

ICO (Institut Català d’Oncologia, Spain)

 

Project Partners

• Institut Català d’Oncologia (ICO – Spain)
• Fundació Institut d’Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL – Spain)
• Dreamedsoft Solutions S.L. (DSOFT—Spain)
• Amsterdam University Medical Center (Vumc – Netherlands)
• Stichting Trimbos-Instituut, Netherlands institute of mental health and addiction (TRIMBOS – Netherlands)
• Universiteti i Mjekesise Tirane (UMT—Albania)
• Istituto per lo studio, la prevenzione e la rete oncológica (ISPRO—Italy)
• State Institution Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of Ukraine (UPHC—Ukraine)
• Association Europeenne des Ligues Contre le Cancer (ECL—Belgium)
• Helse Bergen HF (HBE/HUS—Norway)
• Medizinische Hochschule Hannover (MHH—Germany)
• German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ—Germany)
• German Network for Tobacco Free Healthcare Services (DNRfK—Germany)
• The University of Queensland (UQ—Australia)
• The University of Stirling (USTIRLING–United Kingdom)

 

UCT Research Team

Esteve Fernández, Cristina Martínez, Clara Mercader, Olena Tigova