The Role of Community-Based Participatory Research to Inform Local Health Policy: A Case Study

Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) is an accessible and effective tool for creating and sustaining thriving communities. Those most impacted by the problem already have ideas on potential solutions and the effectiveness of different interventions. Those who know their community best should be involved in every step of the problem-solving process, from the beginning to program evaluation.

This week’s reading is a case study about CBPR and health policy.

Excerpt: “Health services researchers have paid less attention to research translation at the local level. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) offers researchers an opportunity to identify and address local health policy questions. CBPR begins by developing an equitable partnership between academic researchers and community members who have direct knowledge of local circumstances that impact health.”

Citation: O'Brien MJ, Whitaker RC. The role of community-based participatory research to inform local health policy: a case study. J Gen Intern Med. 2011 Dec;26(12):1498-501. doi: 10.1007/s11606-011-1878-3. Epub 2011 Sep 21. PMID: 21935750; PMCID: PMC3235621.