Aligning systems science and community-based participatory research: A case example of the Community Health Advocacy and Research Alliance (CHARA). Issue 5 (5th February 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Davis, Melinda M.; Lindberg, Paul; Cross, Suzanne; Lowe, Susan; Gunn, Rose; Dillon, Kristen
• Is Part Of: Journal of clinical and translational science. Volume 2:Issue 5(2018)
• Page Start: 280
• Page End: 288
• Publication Date: 2019-02-05
• Subjects: Community-engaged research, -- learning healthcare systems, -- systems science, -- community-based participatory research, -- network resiliency; Clinical medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; Medicine, Experimental -- Periodicals; Human experimentation in medicine -- Periodicals; 616.027
• DOI: 10.1017/cts.2018.334
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2059-8661

Abstract

Abstract: Partnered research may help bridge the gap between research and practice. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) supports collaboration between scientific researchers and community members that is designed to improve capacity, enhance trust, and address health disparities. Systems science aims to understand the complex ways human-ecological coupled systems interact and apply knowledge to management practices. Although CBPR and systems science display complementary principles, only a few articles describe synergies between these 2 approaches. In this article, we explore opportunities to utilize concepts from systems science to understand the development, evolution, and sustainability of 1 CBPR partnership: The Community Health Advocacy and Research Alliance (CHARA). Systems science tools may help CHARA and other CBPR partnerships sustain their core identities while co-evolving in conjunction with individual members, community priorities, and a changing healthcare landscape. Our goal is to highlight CHARA as a case for applying the complementary approaches of CBPR and systems science to (1) improve academic/community partnership functioning and sustainability, (2) ensure that research addresses the priorities and needs of end users, and (3) support more timely application of scientific discoveries into routine practice.