Conceptualizing trust in community-academic research partnerships using concept mapping approach: A multi-CTSA study

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Health equity
• Translational science

Background:

• Collaborations between communities, healthcare practices, and academic institutions are vital for addressing health disparities.
• Trust is a critical component for the success and sustainability of these partnerships.
• Existing frameworks for measuring trust in such partnerships are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To engage diverse stakeholders in defining the key determinants of trust in community-academic research partnerships.
• To develop a conceptual framework for measuring trust in these collaborations.
• To inform strategies for enhancing trust and improving health equity.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving five Clinical and Translational Sciences Awardees.
• Concept mapping methodology engaged community members, healthcare providers, and academicians.
• Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify and group determinants of trust.

Main Results:

• 186 participants contributed 2,172 items, consolidated into 125 unique items.
• Five clusters of trust determinants were identified: communication, relationships, sustainability, commitment, and problem-solving.
• Key factors included authentic communication, mutual respect, partnership commitment, and effective problem anticipation.

Conclusions:

• This study provides an empirical foundation for understanding and improving trust in community-academic research partnerships.
• The identified determinants offer a framework for developing targeted interventions to build and sustain trust.
• Strengthening trust is essential for advancing health equity and effective research translation.