Community Voices Shape Research Conversations Across the Academic Health Center
This summer, clinical research professionals (CRPs) across the academic health center had the opportunity to hear directly from community members, patients, and families about what matters most in the research experience. Through a series of panel discussions, members of the West End Community Research Advisory Board (WE C-RAB) and Cincinnati Children's research participants shared valuable insights on trust, engagement, and participant-centered research.
On June 30 and again on August 7 during the UC First Friday session, WE C-RAB members joined the presentation, Trustworthiness in Research: A Dialogue of What Matters to Ensure Greater Community Trust in Research. Led by Julie Wijesooriya, research community liaison and consultant for community engagement, the sessions introduced attendees to the work of WE C-RAB and explored factors that influence community trust in research. Through candid discussion and real-world examples, participants examined barriers to research participation, the importance of authentic community engagement, and strategies researchers can use to build meaningful relationships with the communities they serve.
On July 29, Cincinnati Children's Clinical Research Professionals hosted a Research Participant Panel, providing staff with a unique opportunity to hear directly from research participants and caregivers. Panelists shared their motivations for participating in research, described practices that contributed to positive study experiences, and offered thoughtful recommendations for improving recruitment, communication, and study procedures. Their stories reinforced the importance of including participant perspectives throughout the research process.
Together, these sessions highlighted a common theme: meaningful engagement with patients, families, and communities strengthens research and helps ensure studies are designed and conducted in ways that are responsive, respectful, and trustworthy.
About the Research Participant Advisory Group (RPAG). The RPAG, comprised of three advisory groups: CCHMC RPAC, UC RPAC and WE C-RAB, is a resource available to anyone across the Academic Health Center interested in learning the research participant or community perspective and improving how research is conducted at the hospital, university, or out in the community. If you are interested in seeking feedback from one of these groups at one of our meetings, or through electronic survey, contact Julie Wijesooriya, Julie.Wijesooriya@cchmc.org.
