Development of strategies for community engaged research dissemination by basic scientists: a case study

As depicted in the translational research continuum, dissemination of research findings to past research participants and the community-at-large is integral to improving health outcomes. Blocks in translation exist in which poor dis-semination is a major contributor. Limited progress has been made on how to engage basic scientists at T1 and T2 phases to meaningfully disseminate study findings to community. Our objective is to report on 4 cases of commu-nity engaged research dissemination activities among 3 basic scientists (ie, a cancer biologist, a biochemist, and a molecular biologist.): a townhall, a radio listening session, a community newsletter, and a Facebook Live segment. The Meharry Community Engagement Core dissemination team designed these activities using community informed processes. To plan and conduct these activities, a basic scientist is partnered with a community engaged researcher and a community-based organization to create a dissemination product which can be understood and potentially used by past research participants and the community-at-large. We share reflections from basic scien-tists, community organizations, and event participants. Finally, we provide competencies, informed by basic scien-tists, needed to engage in effective, community-engaged research dissemination. The activities, reflections, and competencies can be used by basic scientists and academic institutions as models to guide their community engaged research dissemination activities. This work supports the goal to bridge the translational research gap.

Automated summary

Dissemination of research findings is crucial for improving health outcomes, but there has been limited progress in engaging basic scientists to effectively communicate study findings to the community. This article presents 4 cases of community engaged research dissemination activities and provides competencies needed for effective, community-engaged research dissemination. The activities, reflections, and competencies can serve as models for basic scientists and academic institutions in their community engaged research dissemination efforts.