Breast screening in Canada, 2023-24
Challenges in population outreach and engagement
Jurisdictions are experiencing various challenges in population outreach and engagement. Many jurisdictions noted human resource and capacity constraints as an ongoing challenge, including healthcare provider shortages, staff turnover, small teams, and limited funding capacity, as well as competing needs and priorities of both program staff and the community. Additional challenges include limits in internal software systems and external resources to facilitate accessibility and translation of material. Finally, challenges in accurately identifying equity-denied groups, along with lack of awareness, limited access, and limited participation in screening programs among equity-denied populations and communities presents a challenge in population engagement.
Challenges in population outreach and engagement
Alberta
The ability to accurately identify the different groups, but they are working to be more precise.
Saskatchewan
Competing community needs (e.g., forest fires), time, budget, capacity, and turnover in community positions.
New Brunswick
Access to PCPs for the necessary referrals for those at high risk (ineligible for average-risk program), to discuss risks and benefits of screening, and to encourage individuals to participate.
Human resource constraints in the healthcare system.
Nova Scotia
Lack of resources results in the inability of staff to focus time and energy on equity-deserving population outreach and engagement.