The field of community engaged research (CEnR) is rapidly evolving, offering practitioners new opportunities to enhance their skills and impact. The 2017 Advancing the Science of Community Engaged Research Conference focused on innovative and effective methods of stakeholder engagement in translational research. This blog explores key outcomes from the conference and how practitioners can apply these insights to improve their practice.
The Importance of Community Engagement in Research
Community engagement is crucial in research as it ensures that studies are relevant to the communities they aim to serve. Engaging community members and stakeholders in the research process enhances the design and implementation of clinical trials, increases recruitment and retention rates, and ensures that research outcomes are applicable to real-world settings.
Key Outcomes from the 2017 CEnR Conference
- Diverse Stakeholder Engagement: The conference emphasized the importance of involving diverse stakeholders, including racial and ethnic minorities, community representatives, and patient advocates. This diversity enriches the research process by incorporating varied perspectives and experiences.
- Innovative Methods: The conference introduced novel approaches such as Think Tanks and Learning Labs. These interactive sessions facilitated the sharing of ideas and best practices among participants, fostering new collaborations and innovative research methodologies.
- Overcoming Barriers: Travel scholarships were provided to community members who otherwise might not have been able to attend. This initiative highlighted the importance of removing barriers to participation to ensure inclusive stakeholder engagement.
Implementing Conference Insights into Practice
Practitioners can leverage insights from the conference to enhance their skills and impact in several ways:
- Cultivate Diverse Partnerships: Engage with a broad range of stakeholders to gather diverse perspectives. This approach not only enriches research but also builds trust within communities.
- Utilize Interactive Methods: Incorporate interactive methods such as Think Tanks in your practice to encourage open dialogue and collaborative problem-solving among stakeholders.
- Sustain Engagement: Develop strategies to maintain long-term engagement with community partners. This could involve regular communication, feedback loops, and recognition of contributions from all stakeholders.
The Role of Practitioners in Advancing CEnR
Practitioners play a vital role in advancing community engaged research by acting as bridges between academic researchers and communities. By implementing innovative engagement strategies, practitioners can ensure that research is not only scientifically robust but also socially relevant and impactful.
The Future of Community Engaged Research
The future of CEnR lies in its ability to adapt to changing societal needs while maintaining a focus on equity and inclusivity. Practitioners are encouraged to continue exploring new methods and technologies that facilitate meaningful engagement with communities.
Conclusion
The 2017 Advancing the Science of Community Engaged Research Conference provided valuable insights into effective stakeholder engagement methods. By implementing these strategies, practitioners can enhance their skills, contribute to more impactful research outcomes, and ultimately improve health equity across diverse populations.
If you wish to delve deeper into the findings from this conference, you can access the original research paper by following this link: Proceedings of the 2017 Advancing the Science of Community Engaged Research (CEnR) Conference.
