Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Asset Mapping to Facilitate Identification of Colorectal Cancer Screening Resources

Authors

  • Clement Kudzai Gwede Moffitt Cancer Center, Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Division of Population Sciences, Tampa, FL
  • Beverly G Ward BGW Associates, LLC, Tampa, Florida
  • John S Luque Georgia Southern University, Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health, Georgia
  • Susan T Vadaparampil Moffitt Cancer Center, Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Division of Population Sciences, Tampa, Florida
  • Desiree Rivers University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
  • Dinorah Martinez-Tyson University of South Florida, Tampa, FL
  • Shalewa Noel-Thomas Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL
  • Cathy D Meade Moffitt Cancer Center, Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Division of Population Sciences, Tampa, Florida

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v2i1.2893

Abstract

Objective: We sought to identify and map the geographic distribution of available colorectal cancer screening resources, following identification of this priority within a needs assessment of a local community-academic collaborative to reduce cancer health disparities in medically underserved communities. Methods: We used geographic information systems (GIS) and asset mapping tools to visually depict resources in the context of geography and a population of interest. We illustrate two examples, offer step-by-step directions for mapping, and discuss the challenges, lessons learned, and future directions for research and practice. Results: Our positive asset driven, community-based approach illustrated the distribution of existing colonoscopy screening facilities and locations of populations and organizations who might use these resources. A need for additional affordable and accessible colonoscopy resources was identified. Conclusion: These transdisciplinary community mapping efforts highlight the benefit of innovative community-academic partnerships for addressing cancer health disparities by bolstering infrastructure and community capacity-building for increased access to colonoscopies.

Author Biography

Clement Kudzai Gwede, Moffitt Cancer Center, Department of Health Outcomes and Behavior, Division of Population Sciences, Tampa, FL

Assistant Professor/Member of health outcomes and behavior and interdisciplinary oncology. Moffitt Cancer Center, Dision of Population Sciences and University of South Florida College of Medicine, Tampa, Florida.

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Published

2010-04-09

How to Cite

Gwede, C. K., Ward, B. G., Luque, J. S., Vadaparampil, S. T., Rivers, D., Martinez-Tyson, D., … Meade, C. D. (2010). Application of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Asset Mapping to Facilitate Identification of Colorectal Cancer Screening Resources. Online Journal of Public Health Informatics, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.5210/ojphi.v2i1.2893

Issue

Section

Original Articles