Challenges in Engaging and Disseminating Health Research Results Among Alaska Native and American Indian People in Southcentral Alaska

Alaska Native and American Indian (AN/AI) people have negative research experiences, including lack of timely, respectful, and relevant communication about research findings. Southcentral Foundation (SCF), a tribally owned and operated health care organization in Alaska, has redesigned the health care system, enacted research policies, and established a research department which uses best practices of Community Engaged Research with AN/AI people. Department staff and community members, however, perceive significant limitations in the reach of and satisfaction with ongoing engagement and dissemination efforts. Background information is delineated which supports new approaches in research engagement using SCF as an example.