138: Collaborative Evaluation for Impact: A Two-Phase, Interest Holder-Driven Approach to Overcoming Challenges in Evaluation of a Statewide Cancer Prevention Grant Portfolio

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) Prevention Program has funded 244 diverse cancer prevention initiatives across Texas, each with unique populations, implementation strategies, and outcomes. This session highlights the challenges and collaborative efforts required to evaluate a portfolio of grant-funded cancer prevention programs, emphasizing engaging interest-holders in meaningful ways throughout the process. By addressing the complexities of evaluating a portfolio of programs with similar overarching goals but varying strategies, the session explores how shared leadership among interest-holders shaped the evaluation’s design and refined its methodologies. A two-phase evaluation, including an evaluability assessment and a mixed-methods process evaluation, addressed challenges related to outcome variability, data complexity, and interest holder alignment. Findings revealed an 11.4% reduction in cancer mortality and improved screening rates throughout the state, particularly in underserved communities. This session will share insights on fostering optimal care for all, collaboration, and community-driven decision-making in evaluation practice.

Jessica Cargill, DrPH; Stephanie Nutt, MA, MPA; Ruth Rechis, PhD