Abstract B078: Implementing a transdisciplinary framework to build capacity for complex collaboration among academic and non-academic partners
Authors: Cawthra Tobi A. , Pinsoneault Laura , Krause Alexis , Gardner-Volle Kristen , Kinner Kim , Elza Jenelle , Stolley Melinda 
Published: January 2023

Complex problems require a deep understanding of the issue and a collaborative approach to find sustainable solutions. Cancer disparities are complex and must be understood from a broad set of perspectives across the academic spectrum and non-academic sources (community members, community-based organizations, and policymakers). The Community and Cancer Science Network (CCSN) is a transdisciplinary network focused on addressing statewide cancer disparities. The CCSN grounds its approach in the principles of deep equity, systems-change, and the integration of biology to policy. It brings together diverse perspectives through a three-phase model: 1) Incubate ideas through co-learning among the team members to build shared vocabulary, knowledge, and integrate perspectives on the issue; 2) Innovate by using learnings to develop, prototype and pilot potential solutions; 3) Implement to further scale and embed solutions. Despite challenges, the commitment to this approach enabled our network to expand and strengthen transdisciplinary capacity in its partnerships. Now in its third year, CCSN encompasses four projects using its transdisciplinary approach: 1) a curriculum for biomedical researchers and community members to address mistrust and misunderstandings of disparities; 2) development of a shared measurement system to improve mammographic quality; 3) design and implementation of community-based action plans to address breast and lung cancer disparities, and 4) formation of a workgroup to explore the potential causes and solutions for prostate cancer disparities in the state. The projects are guided and supported through the framework by a leadership structure. To assess the impact of its approach on community-academic partnerships, CCSN assesses against a rubric developed in 2020 with its advisory team. The rubric measures partner perception of impact, values application, belonging, interconnectedness and shared purpose. CCSN looks at quantitative and qualitative data annually to generate insights on the strength of partnerships and how its leadership can build additional capacities. CCSN is currently finalizing its assessment of its third year of data. Initial findings suggest partnerships with sustained relationships and high levels of trust appear to weather challenges that accompany implementation of complex interventions. Results also indicate that partners are eager to consider implications for their own work and to connect with others doing similar work within CCSN as they experience similar challenges including navigating the pace of change. Incorporating varied perspectives into understanding cancer disparities and then developing and implementing solutions requires a thoughtful, deliberate and flexible approach. Our framework provides rigor without rigidity and allows academics and non-academics to build authentic and collaborative relationships which persist through adversity, facilitate a richer understanding of disparities and open doors for future partnerships.

Citation Format: Tobi A. Cawthra, Laura Pinsoneault, Alexis Krause, Kristen Gardner-Volle, Kim Kinner, Jenelle Elza, Melinda Stolley. Implementing a transdisciplinary framework to build capacity for complex collaboration among academic and non-academic partners [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr B078.