Shared Inquiry in Action: A Participatory Research Study on CHW Workforce Development.

Area of Science:

• Community-based participatory research
• Public health research methodologies
• Interdisciplinary collaboration

Background:

• Participatory action research (PAR) redefines research by empowering communities as decision-makers.
• Community health workers (CHWs) are essential partners for effective PAR implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a PAR approach for a study involving CHWs in California, utilizing the community engagement continuum.
• To identify key lessons for integrating CHWs meaningfully into interdisciplinary research teams.

Main Methods:

• A collaborative team of CHWs and university researchers engaged in reflection sessions.
• The process involved detailing the four research project phases and mapping activities onto the community engagement continuum.
• Emphasis was placed on identifying strategies to amplify CHW voices within the research process.

Main Results:

• Research training can foster interprofessional reciprocity, thereby increasing CHW engagement.
• Defining deliverables that offer value to both academic and community stakeholders is crucial for successful partnerships.
• A strengths-based approach, where CHWs contributed expertise in community engagement and researchers provided methodological rigor, characterized the partnership.

Conclusions:

• This study offers a model for future CHW-university research collaborations.
• Meaningful inclusion of CHWs requires valuing their expertise and ensuring mutual benefit.
• The described PAR approach can guide equitable and effective community-academic partnerships.