Evaluating the Translation of Research Evidence Into Practice and Policy for Behavioral Health Equity

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Health Equity Research
• Community-Engaged Research Evaluation
• Transdisciplinary Team Science

Background:

• Equity-oriented research centers face unique evaluation challenges and opportunities.
• The Transdisciplinary Research, Equity and Engagement (TREE) Center aims to translate research into practice and policy for behavioral health equity.
• Understanding the impact of complexity-oriented research centers is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the progress of the TREE Center's co-leadership, knowledge integration, workforce development, and co-dissemination aims.
• To assess the effectiveness of an embedded, participatory evaluation process.
• To understand the multi-dimensional impacts of an equity-focused research center.

Main Methods:

• Conducted three embedded, participatory surveys of TREE Center partners in 2019-2020.
• Utilized a mixed-methods approach with both Center-designed measures and externally validated scales.
• Achieved an aggregate response rate exceeding 50% (122/228).

Main Results:

• A majority of academic partner respondents reported high, sustained progress toward Center aims.
• Survey means exceeded national benchmarks on 13 of 14 externally validated measures of community-engaged research.
• Respondents included significant proportions of Hispanic/Latinx and American Indian or Alaska Native individuals, reflecting Center co-leadership.

Conclusions:

• The TREE Center demonstrated significant progress toward authentic engagement and co-production of community benefits.
• Publicly funded research centers fostering community engagement in team science are vital for advancing health and policy equity.
• Sustaining such complex centers requires genuine concordance and effective evaluation strategies.