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292 Implementation of community–academic research pilot projects: a qualitative study using the iPARIHS framework

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  08 May 2026

Lesli Skolarus
Affiliation:
Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
Megan Sanico
Affiliation:
Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
Jen Brown
Affiliation:
Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
Maria Vargas
Affiliation:
Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
Marina Richard
Affiliation:
Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
Gracia Pineda
Affiliation:
Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
Darius Tandon
Affiliation:
Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
Theresa Walunas
Affiliation:
Northwestern University Clinical and Translational Sciences (NUCATS)
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Abstract

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Objectives/Goals: Community-engaged research (CER) helps ensure that research findings reach communities. To support it, we administer a pilot program to foster partnerships, build research capacity, and generate data for larger initiatives. We sought to understand the determinants that influence community research pilot project implementation. Methods/Study Population: The community research award provides $30,000 and 24 months of support to a community–academic team. Awardees receive CTSA support through a capacity-building orientation, online written and video materials, and optional office hours. We conducted semi-structured interviews with the community and academic leads using an Integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services (i-PARIHS)-based guide to examine how the research project, recipients, context, and facilitation shaped implementation. Transcripts were analyzed using rapid qualitative analysis methods. Two coders independently reviewed each transcript and completed a summary template which were then analyzed by partner type and i-PARIHS construct. Results/Anticipated Results: A total of six community leads and seven academic leads who received funds between 2020 and 2024 were interviewed. Three community partners and three academic partners completed projects. Partner commitment and expertise were emphasized as project facilitators, while role ambiguity and turnover were barriers. Innovation was valued for adaptation to community context and increased capacity; however, some leads noted tensions between research and advocacy goals. Context barriers included limited funding, COVID-19, and shifting CBO, local, and national policies. CTSA-provided Facilitation was mentioned positively by nearly all community leads. Academic leads interacted with the CTSA team primarily when conflicts arose. Discussion/Significance of Impact: The i-PARIHS framework highlighted how strong partnerships, expertise, and adaptation to community context enabled projects, while role ambiguity, turnover, and contextual challenges impeded progress. Strengthening facilitation, clarifying roles and responsibilities, and planning for turnover may enhance future projects.

Information

Type
Inclusive Health and Community Engagement
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BYCreative Common License - NCCreative Common License - ND
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is unaltered and is properly cited. The written permission of Cambridge University Press must be obtained for commercial re-use or in order to create a derivative work.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2026. The Association for Clinical and Translational Science