Community and university--partners in research

Community-based and university-based family practice researchers must come together and merge into a synergistic partnership. Community-based researchers often need the special expertise of university statisticians, epidemiologists, and research methodologists, and the enthusiasm of fellow researchers. University-based researchers look to the community for subjects and the all-important factor of generalizability. We must no longer rely on serendipity to bring community- and university-based researchers together. Community-based people must acknowledge their needs and actively seek out assistance. The university-based departments can respond by deliberately starting outreach programs, setting up buddy systems, engaging community research consultants, and tracking residents and urging them to continue to do research. Sentinel networks can increase the depth of involvement community researchers have with their own, and others', projects. Such efforts will lead to a creative interrelationship that will be rewarding and enjoyable for us all.