Commentary - Community Partner Experiences in CPPR: What Participation in Partnered Research Can Mean to Community and Patient Stakeholders

Community partners and stakeholders currently engaged in community part­nered participatory research (CPPR) can provide personal and professional insight into the processes and outcomes sur­rounding the CPPR model. This insight may indicate alternative solutions or methods of care delivery that can improve the model and existing interventions. We conducted in-person and phone inter­views with five community partners who are currently involved in CPPR. The inter­views were audio- and video-recorded, transcribed, and major themes identified. Interviewees recounted their experiences with CPPR and reported various levels of personal (ie, behavioral) and professional growth as a result of their involvement. Interviewees also indicated that CPPR can highlight various aspects of existing interventions (eg, leadership structure, stakeholder representation, methods of provider-to-patient communication, and provision of resources) that may benefit from re-evaluation. Engagement in CPPR may offer various personal and professional benefits for individuals (ie, community partners) involved in stages of development, implementation, and dissemination. The benefits affect these individuals in several ways, from personal growth (eg, emotional maturity, behavioral progress, increased familial resiliency) to professional growth (eg, progression of one’s career/role/responsibilities, orga­nizational growth, learned skills). These maturations have secondary effects (eg, increased community resilience, strength­ened relationships, community-based mentorships) impacting the communities in which these community partners serve. Ethn Dis. 2018;28(Suppl 2):311-316; doi:10.18865/ed.28.S2.311.