290785
Developing and evaluating the community empowered research training (CERT) program: Building research capacity for community-initiated and community-driven research
Methods: The Research Capacity Assessment survey was designed to inform the development of the CERT program. The on-line survey assessed research training gaps, needs, and resources among community organizations and clinical providers and was administered nationally to community organization staff (N=50). Survey results and input from community leaders guided the development of the research-training curriculum relevant to the needs and resources of community organizations.
Results: CERT was piloted in May 2011 as a 2-day workshop with 21 individuals representing 13 community groups. Pre and post evaluations measured agency and individual motivation and attitudes towards research, research knowledge, and confidence to carry out research activities. Qualitative debriefing interviews were conducted with 13 individuals to solicit feedback for improving future trainings. Pilot participants suggested that future trainings be offered as a 1-day training, and include further participatory discussions and exercises. Based on these recommendations, CERT was offered again as a 1-day workshop in December 2011 with 44 individuals. 6-month follow-up qualitative interviews were conducted with participants from both workshops to understand the impact of CERT on individual and agency research capacity.
Conclusions/Discussion: Evaluation results of CERT demonstrate increased research knowledge and self-efficacy. It also demonstrated that short intensive workshops can provide viable mechanisms for facilitating community engagement in research and development of community-initiated research.
Learning Objectives:
List important key elements to include in an effective research training program geared to community groups and members.
Identify the barriers and facilitators to engaging in research from the perspective of community based organizations and clinical providers.
Keywords: Community Building, Community Capacity
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I oversaw the development, planning and implementation of the CERT program. I am the Program Manager for CSAAH's Research Training and Education Core and oversee numerous training programs geared to faculty, students, and community partners. I have over 7 years experience in community-based research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.