Engaging Health Professional Doctoral Students in Research Training to Expand Evidence-Based Practice in Rural...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Education
• Health Equity

Background:

• Substance use disorder (SUD) prevention and treatment face challenges in Arizona due to long distances, diverse populations, and provider shortages, particularly for Indigenous and excluded groups.
• Existing healthcare models often fail to adequately address the unique needs of these diverse and underserved communities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Culturally-Centered Addictions Research Training (C-CART) Curriculum.
• To present C-CART as a model for training future clinicians in culturally-centered, community-engaged research methodologies.
• To advance health equity and improve SUD treatment outcomes in diverse healthcare settings.

Main Methods:

• The C-CART program engages doctoral students and clinicians in interdisciplinary, team-based research projects.
• Projects are co-designed with community partners and academic mentors, focusing on culturally-responsive SUD interventions.
• The curriculum emphasizes community-engaged, culturally-centered research training.

Main Results:

• C-CART Scholars demonstrated significant growth in research skills.
• Scholars showed increased cultural competency and improved collaboration experiences.
• The program successfully connected rural clinics with university researchers.

Conclusions:

• The C-CART Curriculum effectively trains clinicians in culturally-centered research methodologies.
• This model fosters trust and improves practices by building strong networks between community programs and academic institutions.
• Implementing C-CART can enhance SUD treatment and advance health equity for diverse populations.