Lung 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
British Columbia
Since BC is in the first year of implementation, it is too early to comment on this. BC is evaluating our communication strategies and look forward to further feedback on the communication tools.
Saskatchewan
Competing community needs and priorities (e.g., forest fires), time, technology and meeting logistics, budget for travel, and community staff turnover.
Ontario
For Indigenous people, there are challenges with respect to travel to and access an Ontario Lung Screening Program (OLSP) site close to home, awareness of program, and age eligibility.
New Brunswick
NB anticipates encountering the following barriers:
- Access to PCP
- Human resource constraints in the health care system
Nova Scotia
Very small program staff that does not represent the many diverse populations we serve. Staff team positioned in the central zone; will need local champions to assist with this work.
The provincial health authority has limited resources for engagement work.
Prince Edward Island
Patient and family partner engagement diminished during pandemic response, as did many committee/working groups that advise planning.