Planning for ProsCare: Evaluating the Implementation Readiness of a Nurse-Delivered Supportive Care Intervention for Men with Advanced Prostate Care Using the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research

Abstract

Objective: Following a systematic review1 and qualitative study2 on prostate cancer survivorship, we developed ProsCare after identifying a requirement for a supportive care tele‐intervention targeted at men with advanced prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to evaluate the implementation readiness of ProsCare.

Methods: We conducted three semi‐structured focus groups composed of 17 advanced practice prostate cancer nurses and executives referred through the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia. Data were transcribed verbatim and coded against the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) which is used to evaluate interventions for implementation suitability.3 We analysed focus group data against 19 constructs within the CFIR related to identifying the feasibility of implementing ProsCare.

Results: Participants were positive about ProsCare and believed that it had a relative advantage over similar interventions because it was adaptable and simple to implement. ProsCare was also seen to meet the needs of men with advanced prostate cancer and provide clinicians treating these men with a model for supporting them during their cancer experience. The implementation climate for ProsCare was described favourably with significant tension for change coming from identified gaps in the supportive care available for men with advanced prostate cancer, particularly in regional and rural areas and among indigenous men. Strategies for supporting ProsCare implementation were also identified with the need for formal training and ongoing educational support articulated.

Conclusions: CFIR appears to provide a useful framework for eliciting data on how to prepare for the implementation of a complex intervention. Using CFIR, we were able to validate the intervention and identify areas for further resourcing and development. Using a validated framework such as CFIR for evaluating interventions before they are implemented can therefore support the identification and development of resources before roll‐out.

Damschroder LJ, Aron DC, Keith RE, Kirsh SR, Alexander JA, Lowery JC. Fostering implementation of health services research findings into practice: a consolidated framework for advancing implementation science. Implement Sci. 2009;4(1):50.

Chambers S, Hyde M, Smith D, et al. A systematic review of psychological interventions for prostate cancer survivors and their partners: clinical and research implications. Psycho‐Onc. 2017;26(7):873–913.

Chambers S, Hyde M, Laurie K, et al. The experiences of men diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer: a qualitative study. BMJ Open. 2018(2):e019917.