Community–University Partnerships in Community-Based Research

Abstract

Problem Community-engaged research (CEnR) is a complex, collaborative process that presents many challenges and requires investment of time and commitment by both community and university research partners. Purpose This paper describes the experience of a group of university and community members developing a set of guidelines for the ethical conduct of CEnR projects. Key Points The paper outlines the process of guideline development and lessons learned from this collaborative effort, which was based upon approaches and methods of community-based participatory research (CBPR). Conclusions The guidelines are included and may serve as a framework to be individualized by other partnerships. Our experience shows that the very process of review, revision, and engagement is extremely helpful in creating a framework that works for the specific communities and for establishing working relationships among the partners so that all stakeholders feel ownership and investment in the framework and the collaborative research efforts.

Engaging evaluation research: Reflecting on the process of sexual assault/domestic violence protocol evaluation research

“…Begun et al (2010, p. 55) acknowledge that through their experiences they have come to appreciate that 'for all its simplicity … collaboration also is immensely complex' (Kavanagh 1995, p. 46) and the reality is that research partnerships take time, strong social skills and patience to develop and evolve (Bowen & Martens 2006;Gass 2005;Reid & Vianna 2001). In our case, a pre-existing relationship (see Maurrasse 2001;McNall et al 2009;Wiewel & Lieber 1998) Sadler et al (2012) recommend that a true partnership requires both the university and the community to recognise and appreciate each other's diversity. Among other things, this means that the beneficiaries of the research need to reflect the diversity of the community as broadly as possible.…”

“…Specifically, we explore the characteristics of our partnership and critically reflect on the extent to which our CU partnership practices and CEnR research fit with Sadler et al's (2012) guidelines below.…”

“…In order to create an ethical framework, Sadler et al (2012) suggest that partner responsibilities need to be recognised, clear However, the assumption inherent in this recommendation does not take into account how difficult this process is, especially at the beginning of a partnership.…”

“…academic institutions, not-for-profit organisations, multi-agency committees and government). Sadler et al (2012) state that shared decision-making and shared benefits are the third and fourth requirements for ethical CU partnerships. Both require early and meaningful involvement from the community, and that opportunities for their benefit are part of a study's design.…”

“…In what follows we reflect on the characteristics of our partnership and our ability to practise principles that Sadler et al (2012) and others outline as crucial for quality, ethical and successful CU partnerships. As part of reflecting on our CU partnership as a means to train research partners, we specifically address the opportunity we had to teach and mentor students in CEnR.…”