Re-examining community based research protocols

The Waiànae community is challenged with multiple medical, psychosocial, geographic, and economic adversities, serving primarily indigenous peoples. This is also a community with distinct cultural and political strengths and a history of community activism. Much has been written from the perspective of academia or professional organizations regarding community-based research. The purpose of this article is to re-examine research guidelines previously developed over ten years ago through the Waianae Coast Comprehensive Health Center, and to address issues which continue to significantly impact on any research conducted in the community of Waiànae. The first issue this article will address pertains to access to conduct research through this Center Next, the process for submitting a research proposal, and key community elements essential in research proposals will be described, followed by a discussion on "ownership" of data. An examination of the challenges discovered through research partnerships will conclude this article.