Methods for community-engaged data collection and analysis in implementation research
Abstract Background Community engagement is widely recognized as critical to successful and equitable implementation of evidence-based practices, programs, and policies. However, there are no clear guidelines for community involvement in data collection and analysis in implementation research. Metho...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2025-04-01
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| Series: | Implementation Science Communications |
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| Online Access: | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00722-z |
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| author | Lawrence A. Palinkas Benjamin Springgate Leopoldo J. Cabassa Michelle Shin Samantha Garcia Benjamin F. Crabtree Jennifer Tsui |
| author_facet | Lawrence A. Palinkas Benjamin Springgate Leopoldo J. Cabassa Michelle Shin Samantha Garcia Benjamin F. Crabtree Jennifer Tsui |
| author_sort | Lawrence A. Palinkas |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background Community engagement is widely recognized as critical to successful and equitable implementation of evidence-based practices, programs, and policies. However, there are no clear guidelines for community involvement in data collection and analysis in implementation research. Methods We describe three specific methods for engaging community members in data collection and analysis: concept mapping, rapid ethnographic assessment, and Photovoice. Common elements are identified from a case study of each method: 1) selection and adaptation of evidence-based strategies for improving adolescent HPV vaccine initiation rates in disadvantaged communities, 2) strategies for implementing medication for opioid use disorders among low-income Medicaid enrollees during natural disasters, and 3) interventions to improve the physical health of adults with severe mental illness living in supportive housing. Results In all three cases, community members assisted in participant recruitment, provided data, and validated preliminary findings created by researchers. In the Photovoice case study, community members participated in both data collection and analysis, while in the concept mapping, community members also participated in the initial phase of organizing and prioritizing evidence-based strategies during the data analysis. Conclusions Community involvement in implementation research data collection and analysis contributes to greater engagement and empowerment of community members and validation of study findings. Use of methods that exhibit both scientific rigor and community relevance of implementation research also contributes to greater community investment in successful implementation outcomes. Nevertheless, the case studies point to the importance and efficiency of the division of labor embedded in community-engaged implementation research. Building capacity for community members to assume greater roles in obtaining and organizing data for preliminary analysis prior to interpretation is recommended. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e4beb6bca6504b16bec8b0b620ab31df |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2662-2211 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-04-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Implementation Science Communications |
| spelling | doaj-art-e4beb6bca6504b16bec8b0b620ab31df2025-08-20T03:06:50ZengBMCImplementation Science Communications2662-22112025-04-016111410.1186/s43058-025-00722-zMethods for community-engaged data collection and analysis in implementation researchLawrence A. Palinkas0Benjamin Springgate1Leopoldo J. Cabassa2Michelle Shin3Samantha Garcia4Benjamin F. Crabtree5Jennifer Tsui6Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of CaliforniaDepartment of Medicine, LSU School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences CenterBrown School of Social Work, Washington University of St LouisDepartment of Child, Family, and Population Health Nursing, School of Nursing, University of WashingtonDepartment of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaDepartment of Family Medicine and Community Health, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers the State University of New JerseyDepartment of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern CaliforniaAbstract Background Community engagement is widely recognized as critical to successful and equitable implementation of evidence-based practices, programs, and policies. However, there are no clear guidelines for community involvement in data collection and analysis in implementation research. Methods We describe three specific methods for engaging community members in data collection and analysis: concept mapping, rapid ethnographic assessment, and Photovoice. Common elements are identified from a case study of each method: 1) selection and adaptation of evidence-based strategies for improving adolescent HPV vaccine initiation rates in disadvantaged communities, 2) strategies for implementing medication for opioid use disorders among low-income Medicaid enrollees during natural disasters, and 3) interventions to improve the physical health of adults with severe mental illness living in supportive housing. Results In all three cases, community members assisted in participant recruitment, provided data, and validated preliminary findings created by researchers. In the Photovoice case study, community members participated in both data collection and analysis, while in the concept mapping, community members also participated in the initial phase of organizing and prioritizing evidence-based strategies during the data analysis. Conclusions Community involvement in implementation research data collection and analysis contributes to greater engagement and empowerment of community members and validation of study findings. Use of methods that exhibit both scientific rigor and community relevance of implementation research also contributes to greater community investment in successful implementation outcomes. Nevertheless, the case studies point to the importance and efficiency of the division of labor embedded in community-engaged implementation research. Building capacity for community members to assume greater roles in obtaining and organizing data for preliminary analysis prior to interpretation is recommended.https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00722-zCommunity engaged researchData collectionData analysisConcept mappingRapid ethnographic assessmentsPhotovoice |
| spellingShingle | Lawrence A. Palinkas Benjamin Springgate Leopoldo J. Cabassa Michelle Shin Samantha Garcia Benjamin F. Crabtree Jennifer Tsui Methods for community-engaged data collection and analysis in implementation research Implementation Science Communications Community engaged research Data collection Data analysis Concept mapping Rapid ethnographic assessments Photovoice |
| title | Methods for community-engaged data collection and analysis in implementation research |
| title_full | Methods for community-engaged data collection and analysis in implementation research |
| title_fullStr | Methods for community-engaged data collection and analysis in implementation research |
| title_full_unstemmed | Methods for community-engaged data collection and analysis in implementation research |
| title_short | Methods for community-engaged data collection and analysis in implementation research |
| title_sort | methods for community engaged data collection and analysis in implementation research |
| topic | Community engaged research Data collection Data analysis Concept mapping Rapid ethnographic assessments Photovoice |
| url | https://doi.org/10.1186/s43058-025-00722-z |
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