Citizen engagement for health equity: evidence from the CO-CAPTAIN project
M Wrzesińska, L Domí-nguez, I GrabovacAbstract
Background
People experiencing mental ill-health face an increased risk of cancer and mortality. CO-CAPTAIN aims to implement a Patient Navigation model for primary cancer prevention, tailored to their specific needs. The project seeks to reduce cancer risk factors, improve access to preventive services, and address inequalities.
Objectives
To address barriers to prevention, improve access to services, promote healthier behaviours, and test the model across four countries. It seeks to generate evidence and develop policy recommendations to support the uptake and scalability of inclusive cancer prevention across Europe.
Methods
CO-CAPTAIN follows a mixed-methods and implementation science approach. It combines qualitative research, interviews and co-design sessions with stakeholders, with pilot implementation of the Patient Navigation model in four European countries. The project uses participatory methods to adapt the intervention to local contexts and evaluates its effectiveness through established frameworks, generating evidence to inform future policy and practice.
Results
The project has generated important insights into the barriers and facilitators affecting cancer prevention for people experiencing mental ill-health. The pilot implementations demonstrated the added value of the Patient Navigation model in supporting access to prevention services and behavioural change. Results highlight the importance of integrated, person-centred approaches, as well as stronger coordination between mental health and preventive care systems.
Conclusions
Adapting Patient Navigation for primary cancer prevention is a promising approach to reducing inequalities for people experiencing mental ill-health. By addressing structural and individual barriers, the model supports person-centred prevention services. The findings underline the need to integrate mental health into cancer prevention strategies and provide a strong foundation for policy uptake and wider implementation.