Community-Based Review of Research Across Diverse Community Contexts: Key Characteristics, Critical Issues, and...

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Health equity
• Research ethics

Background:

• Community-based organizations and academic partnerships increasingly implement community research review processes (CRPs).
• These CRPs aim to ensure health research is relevant, ethical, and beneficial to communities.
• Existing CRPs offer valuable models for community engagement in research governance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the organization and function of existing community research review processes (CRPs).
• To provide guidance for communities seeking to establish their own CRPs.
• To offer recommendations for future research, practice, and policy related to CRPs.

Main Methods:

• Representatives from 9 CRPs across the United States convened for a working meeting in 2012.
• Models of CRP organization and function were presented and analyzed.
• Qualitative analysis of presented models to identify common themes and best practices.

Main Results:

• Diverse models of CRPs exist, varying in structure and function.
• Key components for successful CRPs include clear governance, community engagement, and ethical oversight.
• CRPs effectively enhance research relevance, cultural competence, and community capacity.

Conclusions:

• Community research review processes are vital for ethical and relevant health research.
• Guidance and best practices can support the establishment and optimization of CRPs.
• Further research and policy development are needed to support the sustainability and impact of CRPs.