Work

Engaging community members in health-related research and interventions

Year: 2025

Type: editorial

Abstract: The landscape of public health intervention planning and conducting clinical research has changed a lot in the 21 st century with profound alterations occurring since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the one fundamental, often challenging, but undermined aspect is the resistance against or the involvement of the general public in medical research or community health interventions. This editorial underscores the paramount significance of involving community members in clinical research or public health interventions to enhance their relevance, effectiveness, and sustainability. We introduce a framework based on six essential domains, referred to as the "Six Cs" (i.e. Constituents & Connections; Communication & Cultivation of Trust; Cultural Competency & Conduct Norms; Context, Capacity & Constraints Assessment; Creation of Procedures & Protocols; and Commitment to Common Goals). For medical research and community health interventions, this framework emphasizes the need for collaborative, transparent, and culturally sensitive methodologies that can enhance the general public’s engagement. By nurturing authentic partnerships and utilizing community expertise, this framework for community-engaged health research seeks to improve public participation, foster trust, ensure ethical practices, and ultimately realize significant health outcomes for the public and scientific community.

Source: Journal of Medicine Surgery and Public Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.glmedi.2025.100203

Authors: Jagdish Khubchandani, Elizabeth England-Kennedy, Michael Wiblishauser, Karen Kopera-Frye, Fern J. Webb

Institutions: New Mexico State University, University of Houston, University of Florida

Language: English

Topic: Community Health and Development

Subfield: General Health Professions

Field: Health Professions

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,900