81 - Embodying Equitable Practices in the Formation, Design and Evaluation of Community-Driven Health Equity Initiatives

Abstract Information: Embodying equitable practices in the formation, design, implementation, and evaluation of community-driven health equity initiatives is necessary to meet equity-focused goals and outcomes. More so than ever, multiple stakeholders working across sectors and organizations, and with lived experiences in target communities, are flocking together to identify priorities and develop action plans aimed at addressing disparities and advancing health equity. At the heart of these partnerships, and central to community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches, is the need for equitable engagement, equalized power, and shared decision-making.

As evaluators, we are often brought in as participatory observers and thought partners in these multi-stakeholder relationships. It is here that we spend time building relationships and trust, understanding community contexts, documenting partners’ formation and decision-making processes, implementation strategies, and outcomes. We also build in feedback loops and technical support throughout to help CBPR partners make key decisions about how they work together to meet their mutually defined goals. However, building trust, creating alignment, and balancing power dynamics can be a challenge. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating these relationships and empowering community voice throughout, though sharing best practices and resources can form a building block.

From partnership formation to collaborative design and implementation of action plans, to participatory evaluation, elevating voices and embodying equitable practices throughout each phase is essential to meeting health equity outcomes. Yet, what are the best practices for doing this? What role do evaluators play and how can we embody equitable practices in our relationships with partners and community members? How do we assess equitable practices in CBPR? How do we tie equitable practices to outcomes? What frameworks and tools can be used to evaluate CBPR models? How do we ensure outcomes are aligned to community priorities and that the evaluation amplifies community voice?

Hosts of this gathering will share lessons learned and experiences as the evaluation partners of a new and innovative community-driven health equity initiative launched by Lupus Therapeutics (LT), Project for Community-based Health Action Network to Generate Trial Participation and Eliminate Disparities (Project CHANGE). We will also encourage participants to share their experiences, approaches, and resources to evaluate CBPR initiatives aimed at improving health equity. Collaboratively, participants will contribute to a shared list of best practices, tools, and resources.