Interactive CO-learning for Research Engagement and Education (I-COREE) Curriculum to Build Capacity Between...

Area of Science:

• Community-engaged research
• Health disparities
• Participatory research methods

Background:

• Diverse communities remain underrepresented in academic research, lacking adequate training models for community-engaged research.
• Building sustainable participatory research partnerships requires effective integrative education and training to foster trust and rapport.
• Community partners expressed concerns regarding culturally insensitive research and uncertainties surrounding health-assistive technologies in private settings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To co-create and evaluate a culturally safe integrative education and training curriculum for community-engaged research.
• To address community partners' needs for building partnership capacity, trust, and rapport.
• To navigate uncertainties and cultural sensitivities related to health-assistive technologies.

Main Methods:

• Developed the Interactive CO-learning for Research Engagement and Education (I-COREE) curriculum based on popular education tenets.
• Implemented an experiential, multimodal co-learning session involving twelve academic and community partners.
• Four participants served as team teachers, co-leading the half-day training.

Main Results:

• The I-COREE curriculum facilitated critical conversations about fears and uncertainties regarding new technologies.
• The training provided a safe space for approaching culturally sensitive topics.
• Evaluation indicated improved trust and rapport among partners.

Conclusions:

• The co-created I-COREE curriculum effectively enhanced partnership capacity and addressed community concerns in health research.
• Integrative education and training are crucial for building trust and navigating cultural sensitivities in community-engaged research.
• The curriculum's key elements show potential for translation to other research partnerships.