Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Conducting evidence synthesis research requires specific expertise, but assessing the veracity and validity of 'evidence-based' claims is crucial for all. As part of a community-engaged research project, we adapted an existing evidence synthesis training curriculum for a non-expert audience. The Rhode Island Arts & Health Advisory group project is a > 25 member working group charged with developing integrated arts-based health care interventions into population health planning. Our Center served as an academic partner to facilitate the development of evidence-based recommendations and provided training and mentorship on evidence synthesis methods. Evidence synthesis training was delivered monthly with interactive sessions, which included didactic and hands-on components. Using web tutorials, mentoring and video conferencing, we worked collaboratively on all aspects of the evidence synthesis to ensure participants were supported in the process.
Objectives: This pilot study evaluates whether our approaches increased:
1) motivation to participate;
2) evidence synthesis skills; and
3) the likelihood of participating in future research.
Methods: Participants were asked to respond to an anonymous survey. All 24 members of the team received an invitation to participate; 13 (54.2%) completed the survey and were analyzed.
Results: Most participants said they learned how to develop a research question (n = 10, 76.9%), search the medical literature (n = 10, 76.9%) and read a journal article (n = 9, 69.2%). Strongest factors that motivated participation were helping patients receive better care (n = 13,100%), belief that participation can result in meaningful findings (n = 11, 84.6%) and receiving information on the research and its conduct (n = 9, 69.2%). Almost all participants indicated that they are more likely to collaborate with researchers after this experience (n = 12, 92.3%).
Conclusions: Our pilot study indicates that engaging community partners in evidence synthesis training promotes uptake of research methods and future engagement with research.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: This work is a model of community engaged evidence synthesis research. The group proposed the idea of measuring impact and the four-member steering committee (an artist, public health practitioner, a physician and a researcher) co-designed the survey.
Objectives: This pilot study evaluates whether our approaches increased:
1) motivation to participate;
2) evidence synthesis skills; and
3) the likelihood of participating in future research.
Methods: Participants were asked to respond to an anonymous survey. All 24 members of the team received an invitation to participate; 13 (54.2%) completed the survey and were analyzed.
Results: Most participants said they learned how to develop a research question (n = 10, 76.9%), search the medical literature (n = 10, 76.9%) and read a journal article (n = 9, 69.2%). Strongest factors that motivated participation were helping patients receive better care (n = 13,100%), belief that participation can result in meaningful findings (n = 11, 84.6%) and receiving information on the research and its conduct (n = 9, 69.2%). Almost all participants indicated that they are more likely to collaborate with researchers after this experience (n = 12, 92.3%).
Conclusions: Our pilot study indicates that engaging community partners in evidence synthesis training promotes uptake of research methods and future engagement with research.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: This work is a model of community engaged evidence synthesis research. The group proposed the idea of measuring impact and the four-member steering committee (an artist, public health practitioner, a physician and a researcher) co-designed the survey.