Embedding community-engaged research principles in implementation science: The implementation science center for...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Implementation Science
• Cancer Control Equity

Background:

• Implementation gaps hinder effective cancer prevention and control strategies across the US.
• Equitable and rapid implementation of evidence-based interventions is crucial for diverse populations.
• Addressing disparities in cancer outcomes necessitates robust community engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control Equity (ISCCCE).
• To describe the operationalization of community-engaged research principles within ISCCCE.
• To outline ISCCCE's infrastructure for studying and evaluating cancer control implementation strategies.

Main Methods:

• Describing the organizational structure of ISCCCE.
• Detailing the integration of community-engaged research principles across all center components.
• Presenting evaluation strategies to assess partnership quality and engagement.

Main Results:

• ISCCCE is structured as a comprehensive, community-engaged infrastructure.
• Community engagement principles are embedded throughout ISCCCE's structures, processes, and evaluation methods.
• The center focuses on pragmatic, equity-focused implementation and adaptation strategies.

Conclusions:

• ISCCCE operationalizes community engagement to address cancer control implementation gaps.
• The center provides a framework for studying equitable implementation in disadvantaged communities.
• ISCCCE aims to enhance the impact and relevance of implementation research in community health centers.