Washington University Advancing Cancer Control Engaged Research through Transformative Solutions Center (Wash-U-ACCERT)

The overall goal of the WashU-ACCERT is to advance cancer control outcomes through community-engaged multi-level research interventions that address the impact of access as defined by affordability (e.g., cost), availability of provider resources, attainability (ability to physically access services), accommodation (does access meet patient needs), and acceptability (patient/provider attitudes) on adverse cancer control outcomes. The specific aims are to: (1) Bring innovation to cancer control community-engaged research through community-academic partnerships in using multi-level research methods and measures to develop transformative solutions; (2) Assemble and engage an exceptional, well-rounded team of cancer health engaged investigators and expand research capabilities among academic and community partners; (3) Organize and integrate Center components in a manner that facilitates innovative approaches for community engagement through multidisciplinary, team science; (4) Develop a research methods, measures and data management shared resource (RMMDM Core) to support the implementation and dissemination of scientifically rigorous internal and cross center projects; (5) Determine opportunities and develop plans to effectively address health access factors (i.e., affordability, availability, attainability, accommodation, and acceptability) and reduce cancer health outcomes for all. WashU-ACCERT builds on a long record of community-engaged research to improve cancer outcomes for all and sustain mechanisms for community input to research. This will be accomplished by engaging investigators from different disciplines and investing in developing community partners and early-stage investigators. We build on expertise in community-engaged research, dissemination science, and the impact of affordability, availability, attainability, accommodation, and acceptability factors to deliver responsive products and use ongoing measures of community engagement to monitor and adjust our processes. By continuously engaging community partners, we will bring meaningful relief through improvements in care, build trust in the research enterprise, and accelerate the improvement of cancer outcomes for all. Our Center will be innovative and have widespread impact by advancing a network of community-engaged cancer researchers, building intellectual capital, and enhancing research capabilities for community engagement in cancer prevention and control. WashU-ACCERT has distinctive features that build on a sustained focus on improving cancer outcomes and apply strategies to build multi-level interventions that are responsive to community needs. These features include a uniquely well-rounded team as part of our Community Responsive Research Program (CRRP), engagement and development of community partners and early-stage investigators, strategic dissemination of products to benefit communities, and a focused strategy for collective integration of projects and cores across ACCERT centers. This Center will ultimately advance cancer control community engagement and promote partnership among community partners.