Assessing the context within academic health institutions toward improving equity-based, community and patient-engaged research

• DOI: 10.1017/cts.2024.675
• Publication Date: 2024-12-11T05:28:52Z
• Authors: Prajakta Adsul; Shannon Sanchez-Y...; Elizabeth Dickson; Belkis Jacquez; Alena Kuhlemeier; Michael Muhammad; Katherine J. Briant; Bridgette Hempstead; Jason A. Mendoza; Lisa G. Rosas; Anisha Patel; Patricia Rodrigue...; Tabia Akintobi; Paige Castro-Reyes; Lori Carter-Edwards; Nina Wallerstein
• Keywords: Equity; Academic community

The continued momentum toward equity-based, patient/community-engaged research (P/CenR) is pushing health sciences to embrace principles of community-based participatory research. Much this progress has hinged on individual patient/community-academic partnered projects and partnerships with minimal institutional support from their academic institutions. We three institutions used mixed methods (i.e., institution-wide survey (n = 99); qualitative interviews leadership 11); focus group discussions (6 groups patients community members 22); researchers staff 9)) gain a deeper understanding the context. Five key themes emerged that were supported by quantitative data. First, global pandemic national events highlighting social injustices sparked equity in institutions; however, (theme 2) such did not always translate for P/CenR nor align reputation. Only 52% academics 79% partners believed institution acting commitment (Χ2 6.466, p < 0.05). Third, structures created power imbalances mistrust which identified as barriers P/CenR. Fourth, participants reported resources investments are necessary recruitment retention community-engaged researchers. Finally, despite challenges, motivated transform current paradigms noted accountability, communication, training facilitators. Triangulating findings mixed-methods study revealed critical provide important targets interventions improving supportive policies practices equity-based