Description of global innovative methods in developing the WHO Community Engagement Package

Abstract

ObjectivesDevelopment of a Community Engagement Package composed of (1) database of community engagement (CE) experiences from different contexts, (2) CE learning package of lessons and tools presented as online modules, and (3) CE workshop package for identifying CE experiences to enrich the CE database and ensure regular update of learning resources. The package aims to guide practitioners to promote local action and enhance skills for CE.Setting and participantsThe packages were co-created with diverse teams from WHO, Social Innovation in Health Initiative, UNICEF, community practitioners, and other partners providing synergistic contributions and bridging existing silos.MethodsThe design process of the package was anchored on CE principles. Literature search was performed using standardised search terms through global and regional databases. Interviews with CE practitioners were also conducted.ResultsA total of 356 cases were found to fit the inclusion criteria and proceeded to data extraction and thematic analysis. Themes were organised according to rationale, key points and insights, facilitators of CE and barriers to CE. Principles and standards of CE in various contexts served as a foundation for the CE learning package. The package comprises four modules organised by major themes such as mobilising communities, strengthening health systems, CE in health emergencies and CE as a driver for health equity.ConclusionAfter pilot implementation, tools and resources were made available for training and continuous collection of novel CE lessons and experiences from diverse socio-geographical contexts.

Youth engagement and social innovation in health in low-and-middle-income countries: Analysis of a global youth crowdsourcing open call

“…Examples include the use of crowdsourcing to develop effective community-driven, bottom-up solutions, or the use of crowdfunding and public engagement platforms in LMIC settings to fund community-driven health research [ 6 , 7 ]. These promising findings have also paved the way for the assimilation of social innovation in medical education [ 8 ], implementation science [ 9 ], community engagement [ 10 ], and digital health [ 11 ].…”

Community engagement in health services research on soil-transmitted helminthiasis in Asia Pacific region: Systematic review

“…However, there are growing concerns over the limited application of research findings to inform health practices and policies targeted to the end users. Published studies documented that CE in health services can 'give a voice to the voiceless' [11], improve the acceptability of the intervention are more likely to result in contribute positive health outcomes [12], results in more efficient use of resources, strengthen coordination at local levels and build local capacities [13].…”

Community Engagement in Social Innovation Research: A Global Sequential Mixed Methods Analysis

“…2 Robust community engagement is a foundation of social innovation. 3 Community engagement can be used to tailor social innovations, accelerate implementation research, facilitate pragmatic clinical trials, inform local health policy related to social innovation, and help sustain social innovation over time. 4 The Social Innovation For Research Checklist (SIFR) recommends that all social innovation research describe the extent of community engagement.…”