Network support to improve rural cancer care quality and access
Official title: Dissemination and Implementation of a Network-Based Facilitation Strategy to Improve Quality and Comprehensiveness of Cancer Care for Rural Patients
Funded at University of Iowa · NIH-11443041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A network-based approach helps rural hospitals deliver high-quality, guideline-concordant cancer care to breast cancer patients in rural areas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $668,189 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3CA315303-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11443041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Rural breast cancer patients and other cancer patients treated at affiliate hospitals in the network.
✕Less likely to help
Some patients at non-participating or resource-constrained facilities may not experience improved care.
What this research studies
This grant supports a network where a major cancer center helps rural community hospitals provide care that follows established guidelines. It builds on a proven model from Kentucky and Iowa to help hospitals obtain and maintain accreditation, monitor cancer care data, and implement team-based support for quality improvement. The effort focuses on reducing barriers like funding, staffing, and administrative burdens so rural patients receive comprehensive care closer to home. Results will show whether this CANASQ-based network improves adherence to care standards and patient outcomes in rural Iowa.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, rural cancer patients could receive more consistent, guideline-driven care and better outcomes closer to home.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is based on a previously tested CANASQ model that showed improvements in rural cancer care delivery.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Iowa
Iowa City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Charlton, Mary E. — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Charlton, Mary E.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.