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. 2020 Sep 4;5(1):e41.
doi: 10.1017/cts.2020.534.

Collaborative engagement of Hispanic communities in the planning, conducting, and dissemination of assistive technology research

Elsa M Orellano-Colón  1 , Marta Rivero-Méndez  2 , Claudia X Boneu-Meléndez  1 , Solymar Solís-Báez  2 , Arelí León-Astor  3 , Mariolga Juliá-Pacheco  4 , María Del Mar Santiago-Cruz  5 , Jeffrey W Jutai  6
Affiliations

Collaborative engagement of Hispanic communities in the planning, conducting, and dissemination of assistive technology research

Elsa M Orellano-Colón et al. J Clin Transl Sci. .

Abstract

Introduction: Community engagement (CE) is critical for research on the adoption and use of assistive technology (AT) in many populations living in resource-limited environments. Few studies have described the process that was used for engaging communities in AT research, particularly within low-income communities of older Hispanic with disabilities where limited access, culture, and mistrust must be navigated. We aimed to identify effective practices to enhance CE of low-income Hispanic communities in AT research.

Methods: The community stakeholders included community-based organizations, the community healthcare clinic, the local AT project, and residents of the Caño Martín Peña Community in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The CE procedures and activities during the Planning the Study Phase comprised working group meetings with stakeholders to cocreate the funding proposal for the study and address the reviewers' critiques. During the Conducting the Study Phase, we convened a Community Advisory Board to assist in the implementation of the study. During the Disseminating the Study Results Phase, we developed and implemented plans to disseminate the research results.

Results: We identified seven distinct practices to enhance CE in AT research with Hispanic communities: (1) early and continuous input; (2) building trusting and warm relationships through personal connections; (3) establishing and maintaining presence in the community; (4) power sharing; (5) shared language; (6) ongoing mentorship and support to community members; and (7) adapting to the changing needs of the community.

Conclusion: Greater attention to CE practices may improve the effectiveness and sustainability of AT research with low-income communities.

Keywords: Assistive technology; Hispanic; Puerto Rico; community engagement; community stakeholders; translational research.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Community engagement activities that took place within each phase of the research process of the study.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Close physical contact between the researchers and community members in celebration of the achievements in the recruitment process.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Researcher leaning forward, active listening, and making eye contact with community members during interviewers’ and researchers’ team meetings.
Fig. 4.
Fig. 4.
PowerPoint slide with minimum text and visual support for the community interviewers’ training.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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