Luke Weaver1, Alexandra Feast1, Brian Knowles1, Natalie Masento1, Naser Turabi2, Kate Hamilton-West1 1Social and Behavioural Research, Cancer Research UK, London, E20 1JQ, United Kingdom; 2Evidence & Implementation, Cancer Research UK, London, E20 1JQ, United Kingdom Correspondence: Luke Weaver (luke.weaver@cancer.org.uk)

Implementation Science 2024, 19(1):P49

Background

Cancer Research UK has launched a new programme of commissioned activity, ‘Test Evidence Transition’, which aims to accelerate the effective adoption of innovations whilst reducing inequalities. The objective is to drive the transition of effective interventions from innovation into mainstream NHS practice, addressing the ‘implementation gap’ to improve the experience and outcomes of those affected by cancer.

Methods

The programme closely supports frontline NHS teams working to achieve three objectives: Test innovations to support optimal cancer pathways that transform clinical practice; Evidence the process, outcome, and impact of implementation; and work with strategic partners to ensure the Transition of evidence-based approaches into effective and equitable adoption across the NHS.

The programme combines top-down ‘push’ approaches (system levers) with bottom-up ‘pull’ approaches (real-time learning and collaboration) to stimulate sustained pathway improvements. As an active commissioner, we provide strategic oversight, creating a community of stakeholder expertise, including academic and clinical partners who will co-design resources, informed by relevant clinical science frameworks, to support implementation, evaluation and scalability.

Results

We present emerging findings and insights from the first phase of the programme, commenced in April 2023 and concluding in November 2024, providing funding and support to three frontline NHS teams exploring pathway innovations for cancer. Evaluation plans cover clinical impact, acceptability and cost effectiveness, including analysis of health economic and patient reported outcomes. Projects will report on programme inputs, outputs, outcomes, and factors influencing implementation, sustainability, scalability and evaluability.

Conclusion

In delivering a focused model to pioneer health system transformational change, the programme provides a test bed for innovations that transform clinical practice and optimise the cancer pathway, triangulating and interpreting evidence and evaluation to enable acceleration into mainstream practice. The programme will provide high-quality evidence to decision-makers on how best to address the challenges of translation, aiding the implementation and spread of identified best practice.

Trial Registration: Not applicable

Consent to publish: Not applicable