Translating Innovations in Cancer Screening into Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Care Settings ​

Trauma-informed care (TIC) principles can support screening in SUD clinics, which represent an untapped opportunity for cancer prevention.

This project will Integrate TIC principles into a multi-cancer screening intervention by using two evidence-based, self-administered tests designed to reduce both psychological and logistical barriers: cervicovaginal self-collection kits for high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for cervical cancer and self-collected stool-based tests for colorectal cancer screening. These approaches allow patients to complete screening during routine visits or at their convenience, reducing the need for invasive procedures and additional appointments.

Aim 1: Co-create MCS for SUD settings

We will engage SUD providers, staff, and patients through user-centered methods to iteratively develop and refine MCS materials, workflows, and implementation toolkit. Feedback will focus on: instructions and workflow for distribution of HPV self-swabs and stool kits; streamlined follow-up care pathways; navigation support to address barriers to care. Rapid qualitative analysis during data collection will guide iterative prototype refinements, followed by a formal thematic analysis upon saturation.

Aim 2: Pilot test the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of MCS in the SUD clinic at University Hospital-Newark

Using results from Aim 1, we will pilot MCS among women receiving care at this site. Validated implementation instruments and post-implementation semi-structured interviews with patients and providers will evaluate feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness. The intervention will provide valuable insights into integrating low-touch cancer screening into non-traditional prevention settings, such as SUD clinics. This project will produce a feasible, scalable intervention and implementation toolkit. The integration process will outline how new services, potentially other preventive screenings, can be adapted for delivery in SUD settings or in other patient populations with low screening rates. Similarly, the toolkit could support future extensions of the MSC into other clinical settings. We will leverage multiple NJ ACTS Cores and Services to enhance the rigor of our approach.