TY - JOUR
T1 - Aligning research and practice
T2 - The role of academic-community partnerships for improving measurement and process
AU - Williams, Jessica A.R.
AU - Saint Onge, Jarron M.
AU - Gurley-Calvez, Tami
AU - Anderson, Rebecca
AU - Mosley, Jane
AU - Brooks, Joanna Veazey
N1 - Funding Information:
This work was funded by grants from the Health Forward Foundation .
Publisher Copyright:
© 2021
PY - 2021/12
Y1 - 2021/12
N2 - Objective: Community programs addressing social determinants of health are growing in prominence and are increasingly expected to provide metrics of success. Our objective is to assess the role of an academic-community partnership for a community health worker program targeting social and medical needs, and determine factors impacting its effectiveness. Methods: We draw on a 4.5-year partnership that includes both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Quantitative data collection mechanisms evolved as a result of the partnership. Qualitative interviews were conducted with community health workers and leadership. Results: To align medical and social support services in a sustainable and measurable manner, our academic-community partnership found that creating and maintaining a mutually beneficial space through small wins enabled us to then address larger problems and needs. Ongoing self-study and process evaluation allowed quick adjustments. Unique partnership elements such as having consistent funding and flexible timelines and objectives were essential. Conclusions: When integrating health and social services, academic-community partnerships create pathways for bidirectional learning than can quickly turn research into practice and support sustainability, especially when based on incrementally built trust and a history of small wins.
AB - Objective: Community programs addressing social determinants of health are growing in prominence and are increasingly expected to provide metrics of success. Our objective is to assess the role of an academic-community partnership for a community health worker program targeting social and medical needs, and determine factors impacting its effectiveness. Methods: We draw on a 4.5-year partnership that includes both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Quantitative data collection mechanisms evolved as a result of the partnership. Qualitative interviews were conducted with community health workers and leadership. Results: To align medical and social support services in a sustainable and measurable manner, our academic-community partnership found that creating and maintaining a mutually beneficial space through small wins enabled us to then address larger problems and needs. Ongoing self-study and process evaluation allowed quick adjustments. Unique partnership elements such as having consistent funding and flexible timelines and objectives were essential. Conclusions: When integrating health and social services, academic-community partnerships create pathways for bidirectional learning than can quickly turn research into practice and support sustainability, especially when based on incrementally built trust and a history of small wins.
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U2 - 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2021.101990
DO - 10.1016/j.evalprogplan.2021.101990
M3 - Article
C2 - 34446311
AN - SCOPUS:85113387139
SN - 0149-7189
VL - 89
JO - Evaluation and Program Planning
JF - Evaluation and Program Planning
M1 - 101990
ER -