A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting

作者： Linda S. Franck1,2, Monica R. McLemore1,2, Norlissa Cooper1, Baylee De Castro3, Anastasia Y. Gordon4, Schyneida Williams5, Shanell Williams2, Larry Rand2,3 1School of Nursing,University of California, San Francisco, 2UCSF California Preterm Birth Initiative,University of California, San Francisco, 3School of Medicine,University of California, San Francisco, 4San Francisco Black Infant Health Program, 5Homeless Prenatal Program, San Francisco, CA

简介：

Overview

This manuscript describes the Research Prioritization by Affected Communities (RPAC) protocol and its application with women at risk for preterm birth. The protocol enables these women to identify and prioritize their unanswered questions regarding pregnancy and neonatal care, influencing research priorities.

Key Study Components

Area of Science

• Healthcare research
• Community engagement
• Maternal and neonatal health

Background

• Women facing high social demographic risks for preterm birth often have unanswered questions regarding their care.
• Involving affected communities in research prioritization can lead to more relevant healthcare research.
• The RPAC protocol was developed to facilitate this engagement.
• Community-based organizations partnered in the implementation of the protocol.

Purpose of Study

• To identify key research questions that matter most to underserved communities.
• To ensure that the voices of mothers of preterm babies are included in research funding decisions.
• To refine the research priorities based on community input.

Methods Used

• Facilitated group discussions with participants to generate research questions.
• Guided meditation to focus participants before discussions.
• Documentation of questions raised during discussions.
• Prioritization of questions in follow-up sessions.

Main Results

• Participants generated numerous questions relevant to their experiences and concerns.
• 42 questions were identified and refined through group discussions.
• Community input significantly influenced the research priorities set by the UCSF Preterm Birth Initiative.
• The protocol established a framework for ongoing community participation in research.

Conclusions

• The RPAC protocol effectively captures the research priorities of women at risk for preterm birth.
• Involving affected communities leads to more relevant and impactful healthcare research.
• Future research funding can be better aligned with the needs of underserved populations.

Frequently Asked Questions