Spontaneous Diffusion of an Effective Skin Cancer Prevention Program - Preventing Chronic Disease: November 2010: 09_0205

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November 2010
Volume 7: Issue 6
ISSN: 1545-1151

ORIGINAL RESEARCH
Spontaneous Diffusion of an Effective Skin Cancer Prevention Program Through Web-Based Access to Program Materials
Dawn M. Hall, MPH; Cam Escoffery, PhD, MPH; Eric Nehl, PhD, MS; Karen Glanz, PhD, MPH

Suggested citation for this article: Hall DM, Escoffery C, Nehl E, Glanz K. Spontaneous diffusion of an effective skin cancer prevention program through Web-based access to program materials. Prev Chronic Dis 2010;7(6). http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2010/nov/09_0205.htm. Accessed [date].

PEER REVIEWED
Abstract

Introduction
Little information exists about the diffusion of evidence-based interventions, a process that can occur naturally in organized networks with established communication channels. This article describes the diffusion of an effective skin cancer prevention program called Pool Cool through available Web-based program materials.

Methods
We used self-administered surveys to collect information from program users about access to and use of Web-based program materials. We analyzed the content of e-mails sent to the official Pool Cool Web site to obtain qualitative information about spontaneous diffusion.

Results
Program users were dispersed throughout the United States, most often learning about the program through a Web site (32%), publication (26%), or colleague (19%). Most respondents (86%) reported that their pool provided educational activities at swimming lessons. The Leader’s Guide (59%) and lesson cards (50%) were the most commonly downloaded materials, and most respondents reported using these core items sometimes, often, or always. Aluminum sun-safety signs were the least frequently used materials. A limited budget was the most commonly noted obstacle to sun-safety efforts at the pool (85%). Factors supporting sun safety at the pool centered around risk management (85%) and health of the pool staff (78%).

Conclusion
Diffusion promotes the use of evidence-based health programs and can occur with and without systematic efforts. Strategies such as providing well-packaged, user-friendly program materials at low or no cost and strategic advertisement of the availability of program materials may increase program use and exposure. Furthermore, highlighting the benefits of the program can motivate potential program users.

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Preventing Chronic Disease: November 2010: 09_0205