A Collaborative Approach to Improving Breast Cancer Screening and Follow-Up Through Multicomponent Interventions and Process Improvements: The Links to Care Community Grants Project study protocol and baseline findings

Background: The Links to Care Community Grants Project was developed to improve breast cancer outcomes by increasing access to appropriate follow-up care, improving processes for care transitions, and enhancing care coordination between community health centers (CHCs) and hospital partners. Methods: This 24-month multi-pronged project encompasses quality improvement (QI) coaching, technical assistance support, and evaluation. QI coaching follows the Model for Improvement to test and adapt to changes. Local and centralized technical assistance supports the individual needs of the health system. A data collection tool was developed to evaluate implemented interventions and assess changes in breast cancer screening and diagnostic testing completion rates, time between care transitions, and process improvements made throughout the project period. Results: Seven CHCs comprised of 27 clinic sites with 26 255 patients eligible for breast cancer screening agreed to participate. Baseline findings demonstrate an average screening rate of 51.1%. Conclusion: The Links to Care Community Grants Project will evaluate the effectiveness of implemented patient, provider, and/or system-level interventions and care coordination process improvements on reducing delays along the breast cancer care continuum.