"Our work is recognized and we are prepared:" A qualitative evaluation of a peer-led research best practices training for community health workers and promotoras

Alexandra E Harper¹, Analay Perez², M Miaisha Mitchell³, Daphne Watkins⁴, Gina M Jay⁵, Vanessa I Trujillo⁶, Kristen Weeks-Norton⁷, Shannen McIntosh⁸, Brenda Eakin¹, Elias Samuels¹, Gretchen Piatt⁹, Catherine Striley¹⁰, Linda Cottler¹⁰, Sergio Aguilar-Gaxiola¹¹, Susan L Murphy^{1

5}

Affiliations

¹ Michigan Institute of Clinical and Health Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
² Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
³ Greater Frenchtown Area Governor's Revitalization Council Inc, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
⁴ School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
⁵ Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
⁶ Clinical and Translational Science Center, University of California, Davis Health, Davis, CA, USA.
⁷ Center for Reducing Health Disparities, University of California, Davis Health, Davis, CA, USA.
⁸ Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
⁹ Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
¹⁰ Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainseville, FL, USA.
¹¹ Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Reducing Health Disparities and Clinical and Translational Science Center, University of California, Davis Health, Davis, CA, USA.

PMID: 40979098
PMCID: PMC12444694
DOI: 10.1017/cts.2025.10094

"Our work is recognized and we are prepared:" A qualitative evaluation of a peer-led research best practices training for community health workers and promotoras

Alexandra E Harper et al. J Clin Transl Sci. 2025.

. 2025 Jul 21;9(1):e180.

doi: 10.1017/cts.2025.10094. eCollection 2025.

Authors

Affiliations

¹ Michigan Institute of Clinical and Health Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
² Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
³ Greater Frenchtown Area Governor's Revitalization Council Inc, Tallahassee, FL, USA.
⁴ School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
⁵ Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
⁶ Clinical and Translational Science Center, University of California, Davis Health, Davis, CA, USA.
⁷ Center for Reducing Health Disparities, University of California, Davis Health, Davis, CA, USA.
⁸ Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
⁹ Department of Learning Health Sciences, University of Michigan Medical School, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
¹⁰ Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health and Health Professions and College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainseville, FL, USA.
¹¹ Department of Internal Medicine, Center for Reducing Health Disparities and Clinical and Translational Science Center, University of California, Davis Health, Davis, CA, USA.

PMID: 40979098
PMCID: PMC12444694
DOI: 10.1017/cts.2025.10094

Abstract

Introduction: To overcome the dearth of high-quality, evidence-based, role-specific training for community health workers and promotoras (CHW/Ps) working with research teams, we developed and evaluated a peer-led research best practices training for CHW/Ps. This article qualitatively explores the training experiences from the perspectives of CHW/Ps.

Methods: CHW/Ps were recruited from communities and partners affiliated with study sites in Michigan, Florida, and California to participate in peer facilitated trainings in English and Spanish. A purposeful sample of CHW/Ps completed interviews from July to December 2023 about their perceptions of the training. Three coders analyzed the interviews using a combination of the rigorous and accelerated data reduction (RADaR) technique and thematic text analysis.

Results: Seventeen CHW/Ps participated in interviews (N = 10 in English; N = 7 in Spanish). The mean age was 43.7 ± 14.5 years, most were female (59%), and 47% identified as Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish. We identified three primary themes, each with resulting subthemes: (1) CHW/Ps' Perceptions of the Training, (2) Factors Influencing Receipt of the Training, and (3) CHW/Ps' Recommendations for Future Trainings. Despite offering some opportunities for improvement in various areas, CHW/P learners found the training further clarified their role as CHW/Ps, enhanced their knowledge and skills, and provided a beneficial foundation for CHW/Ps working in community-engaged research.

Conclusion: A peer-led research best practices training for CHW/Ps is an effective strategy for enhancing CHW/Ps' knowledge and skills. Training CHW/Ps in research best practices is a strategy for enhancing the capacity and capability of this community-engaged research workforce.

Keywords: Community health workers; promotoras; qualitative research; research competency; research training.

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Figures

**Figure 1.**
Five module research best practices training for community health workers and promotoras (CHW/Ps).

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"Our work is recognized and we are prepared:" A qualitative evaluation of a peer-led research best practices training for community health workers and promotoras

Affiliations

"Our work is recognized and we are prepared:" A qualitative evaluation of a peer-led research best practices training for community health workers and promotoras

Authors

Affiliations

Abstract

Figures

References

LinkOut - more resources

Full Text Sources