Community Perspectives on Partnering with Early-Stage Investigators in Pilot Research

Background. This study explores health disparities-focused community partners' experiences participating in a community-academic research partnership in Cleveland, Ohio with early-stage investigators (ESIs). Methods. Anonymous surveys (n = 13), a focus group (n = 5), and one individual interview were conducted with community partners to explore their experiences. Results . Through thematic analysis, we identified three key themes that contribute to the success and sustainability of such partnerships. The three themes included: The Project had a Transformative Impact on Practice; Partner Relationships Supported their Collaboration (with three sub-themes: Brought Unique Perspectives; Trust was Built Through Communication, Engagement & Inclusivity, and Reciprocal Relationships); and CBRN Meetings Bridged Academics and Communities. The two themes encapsulated the community partners' desire to ensure the research findings were sustainable and would lead to lasting change, their relationships and trust for their ESI partners, and how specific partnership dynamics can be used to enhance collaborative efforts. The findings also highlight challenges including the need for clear communication and the usefulness of program support. Conclusion. The findings contribute to the broader literature on community-engaged research, emphasizing the importance of power-sharing, trust-building, and communication in partnerships aiming to affect health equity through collaborative research.