What are RTIPs and Why Consider Them?

If you have wondered how to use the Community Preventive Services Task Force findings in a community or clinical setting for cancer prevention and control, RTIPs–Research-tested Intervention Programs –are for you. The RTIPs website hosts a searchable database of cancer control interventions and program materials to provide program planners and public health practitioners easy access to research-tested materials. It is a component of the web portal Cancer Control P.L.A.N.E.T. and is sponsored by the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

RTIPs describe evidence-based cancer prevention and control intervention programs that have the following characteristics:

• Implemented in community or clinical settings for specific populations
• Developed and tested by researchers
• Included free program materials that can be previewed, downloaded or ordered on CD-ROM
• Included program materials that can be previewed and ordered directly from the developer (cost may apply)

RTIPs only include programs that meet the following criteria:

• Intervention research outcomes have been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
• The study must have produced one or more positive behavioral or psychosocial outcomes (p≤.05) among individuals, communities, or populations.
• The evidence of outcomes must be demonstrated in at least one study, using an experimental or quasi-experimental design. Experimental designs require a random assignment, a control or comparison group, and pre- and post-intervention assessments. Quasi-experimental designs do not require random assignment, but do require a comparison or control group and pre- and post-intervention assessments. Studies that are based on single group, pre/posttest designs do not meet this requirement.
• Programs’ messages, materials and other intervention components include English and can be disseminated in a U.S. community or clinical setting.
• Interventions must have been conducted or tested within the last 10 years.