Baltimore CONNECT: A Randomized Trial to Build Partnership Between Community Organizations and a Local Health System

Abstract

Background: Community-based organizations (CBOs) are key partners in supporting care, but health systems and CBOs operate in silos. Baltimore Community-based Organizations Neighborhood Network: Enhancing Capacity Together (CONNECT) was a randomized, controlled trial based on the core tenets of the World Health Organization's (WHO) African Partnerships for Patient Safety Community Engagement (ACE) approach.

Objectives: We describe a research protocol and lessons learned from a partnership between Johns Hopkins Health System and 11 CBOs.

Methods: Baltimore CONNECT involved 22 CBOs in East Baltimore randomized to a co-developed intervention bundle versus control. Data were from review of notes and minutes from meetings, and discussions with each CBO on value added by intervention elements and on impact of the project.

Lessons learned: It is feasible to engage and maintain a network of CBOs linked with a local health system.

Conclusions: The WHO ACE approach supported development and sustainment of a network of organizations linking health care and social services across East Baltimore.