Guiding Principles for Community-Engaged Research
These principles were developed by the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) Community Advisory Board. Approved September, 2008
- Long-Term engagement
Research investigators work through existing partnerships in the community when such partnerships exist. The level of partnership corresponds to each project’s level of community interaction and impact. - Mutual benefit
Increased knowledge improves the health of the community and benefits both the community and the researchers/URMC. - Mutual respect
Researchers and community members work together with humility, candor and mutual respect for expertise and cultural differences. - Shared findings
Research findings are shared with community partners and stakeholders. - Enhanced community capacity
Members of the "target community" for the research project are hired and trained where possible and appropriate, to help build and enhance community assets. - Shared responsibility
All partners (URMC and community partners) have obligations towards the project and the community. - Evidence-based
The best available evidence guides research relationships between URMC and the community, and best efforts are made to evaluate each project. - Collaborative from start to finish*
There is a collaborative and equitable engagement of all partners in all key phases of the research including- identification of target population
- research objectives
- project organization
- interpretation of data
- Responsive to community priorities and perspectives*
Community-Based Participatory Research addresses health needs, interests and priorities established by the community. Health is addressed from both individual and ecological perspectives - (i.e. considering social, economic, cultural, and policy contexts).
* These guidelines apply specifically to Community-Based Participatory research.
