The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston received a $401,115 Project Grant award from the National Cancer Institute under the Cancer Cause and Prevention Research program (CFDA 93.393), effective May 1, 2026 through April 30, 2028. This research initiative will identify the mechanisms of action underlying Expert Recommendations for Implementing Change (ERIC) implementation strategies used in cancer prevention and control. The project employs an implementation mapping approach to elucidate how ERIC strategies address barriers to adoption, implementation, and sustainment of evidence-based cancer interventions, ultimately bridging the persistent research-to-practice gap in cancer control.
The primary deliverables include a comprehensive mechanism mapping of all ERIC strategies and development of a pilot-tested online decision-support tool titled Mechanisms for Accelerating Translation of Cancer Health Interventions (MATCH). The MATCH tool will provide a platform for exploration and development of theory- and evidence-informed implementation strategies and their mechanisms, along with a library of practical examples of ERIC strategies derived from cancer prevention and control research and implementation experience. These products are designed to enhance the design and tailoring of implementation strategies to accelerate the translation of cancer control interventions and improve population health outcomes.