Training community research partners in evidence synthesis methods: a pilot study

Session: 

Oral session: Education and training

Date: 

Tuesday 18 September 2018 - 11:00 to 11:20

Location: 

Ochil 1

All authors in correct order:

Rofeberg V1, Springs S1, Brown S2, Boudreau S3, Baruch J4, Sullivan AJ1
1 Center for Evidence Synthesis in Health, Brown University School of Public Health, USA
2 Rhode Island State Council for the Arts, USA
3 Rhode Island Department of Health, USA
4 Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, USA
Presenting author and contact person

Presenting author:

Valerie Rofeberg

Contact person:

Valerie Rofeberg
Stacey Springs
Abstract text
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.

Attachments: 

PDF icon Teaching EvSynth CEnR_VL.pdf

Relevance to patients and consumers: 

This is a report on a pilot study in which we engaged community partners in evidence synthesis training. We partnered with The Rhode Island Arts & Health Advisory Group in order to present evidence synthesis training to a non-expert audience. The charge of this study was to develop recommendations for integrating arts-based health care intervention into population health planning. All who responded to the survey stated that their main focus of undergoing training was to help patients receive better care, and 92.3% stated that after the training they are more likely to collaborate with researchers.