Open AccessBetter Health Durham: Community Engagement in a Cluster RCT of a Prevention Practitioner Intervention in Low-Income Neighbourhoods
Author(s) -
Mary Ann O’Brien,
Aisha Lofters,
Becky Wall,
Andrew D. Pinto,
R. Elliott,
Mary-Anne Pietrusiak,
Christopher K. Snider,
Benjamin C. Riordan,
Eva Grunfeld,
Tutsirai Makuwaza,
K. Sivayoganathan,
Donna Manca,
Nicolette Sopcak,
Peter Donnelly,
Peter Selby,
Robert Kyle,
Nancy N. Baxter,
Linda Rabeneck,
Sylvie D. Cornacchi,
Lawrence Paszat
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
journal of global oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.002
H-Index - 17
ISSN - 2378-9506
DOI - 10.1200/jgo.18.53100
Subject(s) - medicine , community engagement , outreach , stakeholder engagement , community based participatory research , public health , cluster randomised controlled trial , stakeholder , nursing , family medicine , community health , public engagement , intervention (counseling) , general partnership , participatory action research , public relations , political science , law , economics , economic growth
Background: The Building on Existing Tools to Improve Chronic Disease Prevention and Screening (BETTER) intervention has improved uptake of chronic disease prevention and screening activities in primary care. The BETTER intervention consists of 1:1 visits between prevention practitioners (PPs) and patients (40-65 years). It is unknown if an adapted BETTER could be effective in the community with public health nurses as PPs. Aim: The presentation objective is to describe community engagement strategies in a cluster RCT in low income neighborhoods with low cancer screening rates and low uptake of primary care. Methods: Principles of community-based participatory research were used to design the community engagement strategy in Durham region, Ontario. Key elements included close collaboration with public health partners to identify stakeholders and creating a community advisory committee (CAC) and a primary care engagement group to provide advice. Results: We identified 15 community stakeholder groups (∼47 subgroups) including service organizations, faith groups, and charitable organizations representing diverse constituents. Community outreach activities included in-person meetings and information displays at local events. The CAC is comprised of members of the public and representatives from primary care, social services, and community organizations. The CAC and primary care engagement groups have provided advice on trial recruitment strategies and on the design of the PP visit. Conclusion: The partnership between public health, primary care, and the study team has been crucial to connect with community stakeholders. Community engagement is essential in raising awareness about the study and will contribute to successful recruitment. Trial Registration: NCT03052959