Perceived Impact of Human Subjects Protection Training on Community Partners in Community-Based Participatory Research

Abstract

Background Human subject protection training (HSPT) is a requirement of Institutional Review Boards for individuals who engage in research. The lack of HSPT among community partners may contribute to power imbalance between community and academic members of community-based participatory research (CBPR) partnerships. The Rochester Healthy Community Partnership (RHCP) is an established CBPR partnership in Minnesota who works primarily with immigrant and refugee populations. Objective To describe the implementation and evaluation of HSPT among community members of a CBPR partnership. Methods Seven community partners participated in HSPT through adaptation of an existing institutional program. Evaluation of program acceptability was measured through a 5-item survey (5-point Likert scales). A focus group with all 7 participants was conducted to evaluate impact of training on perceptions of research, characteristics of a successful program, and potential value of training to CBPR partnerships. Coding and inductive analysis were done on the transcript with NVIVO-9 software. Results The HSPT program was highly acceptable (mean score= 4.5 ± 0.2). Focus groups revealed that training implementation should be done as a cohesive group with the opportunity to discuss concepts as they pertain to partnership projects. Training fostered an encouraging and safe environment, accommodated diverse learning styles, and promoted interaction. Participants reported improved trust in research as a result of the training. Perceived impact of the training on the CBPR partnership included improved transparency and enhanced camaraderie while establishing essential knowledge required for community leaders. Conclusions HSPT is feasible among community members of a CBPR partnership, and may improve perceptions of research while strengthening capacity of partnerships to impact community health.

Relationship Between Negative Mood and Health Behaviors in an Immigrant and Refugee Population

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Healthy immigrant families: Participatory development and baseline characteristics of a community-based physical activity and nutrition intervention

“…CBPR can significantly improve recruitment efforts (66), and this study provides an example of community participation in research recruitment. Participant recruitment for this study was planned and executed by community partners with research experience after completing training in human subjects protection through an RHCP-facilitated class (41). This strategy resulted in a more relevant community-based sample of participants than traditional recruitment methods.…”

“…Recruitment partners first completed RHCP-facilitated human subjects protection training (41). They identified potentially eligible families through meetings and word-of-mouth advertising.…”

Diabetes Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors Among Somali and Latino Immigrants

“…Eligibility criteria included age 18 years and older, have a diagnosis of diabetes by a health care provider and receive diabetes care in Rochester, MN. All community partners participating in recruitment underwent RHCP-facilitated training in the protection of human subjects in research [47]. The study was approved by the Mayo Clinic Institutional Review Board.…”