Measuring Outcomes

In 2015, the CDC funded the Colorectal Cancer Control Program (CRCCP). The CRCCP’s 30 grantees partner with health system clinics to increase screening for colorectal cancer (CRC). CDC evaluators designed an outcome evaluation to measure changes in CRC screening rates over time.

Evaluating Changes in Clinic-Level CRC Screening Rates

Planning the Outcome Evaluation

CDC used its Framework for Program Evaluation to design an outcome evaluation for the CRCCP. The framework includes—

1. Engaging stakeholders.
2. Describing the program.
3. Focusing the evaluation design.
4. Gathering credible evidence.
5. Justifying conclusions.
6. Ensuring use and lessons learned.

Measuring Changes in CRC Screening Rates

To measure the primary outcome for the CRCCP—CRC screening rates—grantees report clinic-level data for every participating clinic. Data include CRC screening rates reported at baseline and each year of the program.

Providing Tools and Resources

CDC developed tools and resources to help grantees report data to CDC and to strengthen data quality. Tools include a detailed data dictionary, data collection tools, and a guidance document on measuring screening rates in health system clinics.

CRCCP Evaluation At a Glance

• Primary outcome measure: Clinic-level CRC screening rates
• Evaluation framework: CDC’s Framework for Program Evaluation
• Evaluation design: Multiple methods, longitudinal

References

Framework for Program Evaluation

Guide for Measuring Cancer Screening Rates in Clinics

Satsangi A, DeGroff A. Planning a national-level outcome evaluation of the Colorectal Cancer Control Program.External Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association 2016;6(suppl 2).