Using Technology to Facilitate Collaboration in Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR)

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Human-Computer Interaction
• Community Health

Background:

• Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) requires effective collaboration tools.
• Assessing the utility of specific Computer-Supported Collaborative Work (CSCW) systems in CBPR contexts is crucial.
• The iCohere platform was utilized to support a Community Collaborative Board (CCB).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the functions and effectiveness of the iCohere system in facilitating CBPR.
• To compare the capabilities of iCohere with potentially more affordable technological alternatives.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative data collection from 13 members of a Community Collaborative Board (CCB).
• Analysis of iCohere's role in communication, information sharing, and remote participation.
• Exploration of the potential for lower-cost technologies to meet similar collaborative needs.

Main Results:

• iCohere successfully facilitated communication, information/resource sharing, and remote meeting attendance for the CCB.
• The system's functionalities were valuable for supporting collaborative research efforts.
• Less expensive technologies demonstrated potential for achieving comparable collaborative outcomes.

Conclusions:

• CSCW systems like iCohere can effectively support CBPR initiatives.
• The cost-effectiveness of collaboration tools should be considered, as simpler technologies may suffice.
• Further research is warranted on optimizing CSCW systems for CBPR and exploring alternative platforms.