ReDesigning Partner Compensation in Perinatal Community-Based Participatory Research

Perinatal community-based participatory research (CBPR) is an effective approach to elevate and address the high rates of adverse outcomes and inequities during the perinatal period. It relies on authentic partnerships between academic researchers and community-based organizations and community advisory board members, many of whom are women. Challenges to compensation of community partners exist within perinatal CBPR related to bureaucratic restrictions, unique factors for women, and a lack of support and transparency. A redesign of compensation practices for community partners is imperative to ensure they are fair, adequate, equitable, flexible, sustainable, and informed. Perinatal health researchers must collaborate with their institutions' financial offices to develop creative solutions that convey respect, value the needs and expertise of the community partners, and promote transparency.