Engagement Approach Research Articles

Community engagement in mobile and hard-to-reach populations: a community-based intervention for malaria elimination in a tri-national region of the Guiana Shield.

Several countries of the Guiana Shield are aiming at the control and elimination of malaria in areas where Artisanal and Small-scale Gold Mining (ASGM) activities predominate, raising questions about how to strengthen community engagement to improve the effectiveness of health programs. The Curema project focuses its intervention on the mobile and hard-to-reach ASGM population, complementing the efforts of national programs in the Guiana Shield. The Curema intervention combines targeted drug administration for suspected Plasmodium vivax asymptomatic carriers, the Malakit distribution, and health education activities. The primary goals of this manuscript are to outline a pathway to foster community participation in the Curema project aimed at eliminating malaria. Thus, it presents a vision of the challenges that the AGSM community poses in terms of community participation for an asymptomatic problem; and highlights the community-based model and the Information, Education and Communication (IEC) components as foundations for participation. In addition, it also presents culturally sensitive IEC strategies designed through iterative and collaborative consultative processes and other bottom-up outreach activities. The community engagement approach facilitates adaptability and responsiveness in a complex, evolving context increasing the effectiveness of interventions.

Pushing health data access boundaries - adapting NHS governance for 3 challenges: clinical free-text, safe commercial access and AI development

This presentation will demonstrate expansions to TRE governance frameworks developed to facilitate safe data access in three advanced areas: commercial access, clinical free-text, and innovation with AI/Machine Learning. NHS research governance frameworks - originally set up for clinical trials and expanded into the TRE and secondary data use space – are not an immediate fit for advanced techniques in data science research. Over 2 years, public, expert and user engagement approaches were utilised to support developing frameworks within DataLoch, a Health and Social Care TRE and data access service in South-East Scotland. Surveys, workshops and continuous user and data controller feedback allowed the testing of tools and assessments to adapt traditional NHS governance structures. These frameworks utilise the Five Safes framework to make NHS data controllers supportive of innovative research in the public and health service’s benefit. The presentation will summarise the challenges faced for one TRE and researchers working to support these areas, and the frameworks that are now are being tested within an NHS Scotland Health Board. The development and implementation demonstrates that governance structures can be adapted collaboratively and paves the way for more flexible TRE governance to allow the use of NHS patient data to remain legally and ethically robust while supporting advanced techniques of analysis.

INTRODUCTION OF CASE-BASED LEARNING FOR TEACHING MEDICINE IN PHASE 2ND M.B.B.S. STUDENTS

Objectives: The objective of this study was to assess and compare case-based learning (CBL) with traditional teaching among phase 2 MBBS students. Methods: This study is designed as an educational interventional cross-over trial with a quantitative approach to compare two distinct clinical teaching methods at the government medical college, Pali. The primary aim is to assess the impact of CBL on the educational experiences of 2nd-year MBBS students. Results: The analysis confirms that CBL significantly improves students’ understanding and satisfaction compared to traditional teaching, offering a more effective and engaging learning experience. Conclusion: The study recommends CBL for 2nd-year medical students, as it is preferred for its engaging and effective approach to understanding and applying medical concepts.

Constructing a One Health governance architecture: a systematic review and analysis of governance mechanisms for One Health.

The integration of human, animal, and environmental health in the One Health framework is crucial for tackling complex health and environmental issues. Governance structures in One Health initiatives are essential for coordinating efforts, fostering partnerships, and establishing effective policy frameworks. This systematic review, registered with PROSPERO, aims to evaluate governance architectures in One Health initiatives. Searches in PubMed, Scopus, WoS, and Cochrane from 2000 to 2023 were conducted. Key terms focused on peer-reviewed articles, systematic reviews, and relevant grey literature. Nine eligible studies were selected based on inclusion criteria. Data synthesis aimed to assess governance mechanisms' functionality and effectiveness. Among 1277 sources screened, nine studies across diverse regions were eligible. An adapted framework assessed implementation mechanisms of international agreements, categorizing them into Engagement, Coordination, Policies, and Financial domains. The findings highlight the importance of effective governance, stakeholder engagement, and collaborative approaches in addressing One Health's challenges. Identified challenges include deficient intersectoral collaboration, funding constraints, and stakeholder conflicts. Robust governance frameworks are pivotal in One Health paradigms, emphasizing stakeholder engagement and collaboration. These insights guide policymakers, practitioners, and researchers in refining governance structures to enhance human-animal health and environmental sustainability. Acknowledging study limitations, such as methodological variations and limited geographical scope, underscores the importance of further research in this area.

Are you game? Health Gamification during disruptions due to the pandemic for sustainability

The new normal has transformed IT company employees' working styles and patterns to accommodate changing business demands. It brings back the attention required for self-health, and the pandemic has demonstrated the importance of Health. The prominence of Gamification and its adaptation is growing in the education and learning industries. This research paper aims to study, analyze, and understand users' intention to use gamified health monitoring tools or applications with emerging health disruptions in the post-pandemic era. The study gathered data from Indian users as the primary source, where the participants' backgrounds were from Information Technology (IT) companies, and the survey gathered 185 responses online from Gen Z women. This study shows a significant association between the gamified engagement approach and user intention to engage. Considering the ongoing business uncertainty and growing work-from-home hours for IT employees, disruption may persist while creating the need for gamified health engagement.

The roadblocks to success – Identifying challenges in implementing a surgery support E-health solution: A qualitative interview study

BackgroundSurgery accounts for 30 % of the global disease burden, but healthcare systems struggle with managing surgical waitlists, optimising operations, and minimising cancellations, leading to poor patient outcomes and financial strain. E-health technologies offer promising solutions to enhance perioperative care and improve surgical outcomes, yet their integration faces significant organisational and structural challenges. This paper aims to explore and analyse the perspectives of decision-making personnel regarding the challenges and opportunities of implementing a surgery support e-health application. MethodsThis study utilised an explorative qualitative approach, employing a rapid cycle qualitative evaluation informed by the NASSS framework. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews with decision-making personnel conducted. Framework analysis guided by the NASSS framework was used to analyse the interview transcripts. ResultsA total of 15 participants from public health and external organisations participated in the study. The analysis, framed by the seven domains of the NASSS framework, critical challenges in integrating new health technologies, emphasising the need for compatibility, cybersecurity, and demonstrating clear benefits. Key factors for successful adoption included early and continuous stakeholder engagement, organisational readiness, and ongoing support. Additionally, participants highlighted the importance of centralised information systems and continuous adaptation of health IT solutions to meet evolving needs. ConclusionThis paper reveals that implementing surgical e-health interventions is a complex process fraught with organisational, technical, financial, and political challenges, particularly due to insufficient end-user involvement and the intricate healthcare landscape. Despite the recognised benefits, successful implementation necessitates comprehensive stakeholder engagement and co-design approaches. Additionally, while a partnership between commercial vendors and public health developers presents an attractive solution, significant obstacles such as intellectual property disputes and resource allocation must be overcome.

Assessing the Veterinary Health Care Needs of Knoxville’s Latino Community Through a Community-Based Participatory Approach: A Short Report

The primary objective of the study was to better understand the interests, needs, and perceived barriers to veterinary care of Knoxville’s Latino community. Investigators adapted a national survey designed to understand access to veterinary care for distribution to the Latino population through a community-based participatory approach with an established community center. Seventy-six percent of survey respondents (n = 46) reported that they consider the pet as part of the family. Forty-eight percent said their pets were not spayed or neutered (s/n), and of these, 39% said s/n was cost-prohibitive, whereas 22% did not know where to receive services. Twenty-six percent identified an inability to obtain treatment for a sick pet, primarily due to a lack of access to affordable care. Participants expressed interest in vaccines and parasite prevention (64%), training and behavior (36%), and information on veterinary and pet care resources (29%). The survey tool (provided in English and Spanish) and community engagement approach can assist animal welfare organizations in identifying and addressing community veterinary needs and barriers to care.

Factors Affecting Humanitarian Resilience: A Mediating Approach of Community Engagement

Factors Affecting Humanitarian Resilience: A Mediating Approach of Community Engagement

Community-Based Health Information Systems in Africa: A Scoping Review of Data Generation, Utilization, and Community Empowerment.

The community-based health information system (CBHIS) is a vital component of the community health system, as it assesses community-level healthcare service delivery and generates data for community health programme planning, monitoring, and evaluation. CBHIS promotes data-driven decision-making, by identifying priority interventions and programs, guiding resource allocation, and contributing to evidence-based policy development. This scoping review aims to comprehensively examine the use of CBHIS in African countries, focusing on data generation, pathways, utilisation of CBHIS data, community accessibility to the data and use of the data to empower communities. We utilised Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review methodology. We searched eight databases: PubMed, EMBASE, HINARI, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, Google Scholar, and grey literature databases (Open Grey and OAIster). We synthesised findings using a thematic approach. Our review included 55 articles from 27 African countries, primarily in Eastern and Southern Africa, followed by West Africa. Most of the studies were either quantitative (42%) or qualitative (33%). Paper-based systems are primarily used for data collection in most countries, but some have adopted electronic/mobile-based systems or both. The data flow for CBHIS varies by country and the tools used for data collection. CBHIS data informs policies, resource allocation, staffing, community health dialogues, and commodity supplies for community health programmes. Community dialogue is the most common approach for community engagement, empowerment, and sharing of CBHIS data with communities. Community empowerment tends towards health promotion activities and health provider-led approaches. CBHIS utilises both paper-based and electronic-based systems to collect and process data. Nevertheless, most countries rely on paper-based systems. Most of the CBHIS investments have focused on digitisation and enhancing data collection, process, and quality. However, there is a need to shift the emphasis towards enabling data utilisation at the community level and community empowerment.

Local community engagement and gazettement approach in managing and conserving Pangani historic town in Tanzania

Pangani is a historic coastal Swahili town situated at the mouth of the Pangani River, which empties its waters into the Indian ocean. Archaeologists have traced the origins of this town back to the seventh century through evidence from material cultures found in this area. Despite its historical importance and archaeological interest, Pangani faces substantial conservation and management challenges, primarily due to low awareness levels among its local community. These residents are largely unaware of the town’s historical value and of the impact of factors such as climate change, stone quarrying, wave erosion, and development pressures, so effective conservation plans are lacking. In finding the best practices for managing and conserving this historic town, a critical question remains as to how to rescue the town's significance and value from these challenges. This paper proposes a gazettement approach for managing and conserving Pangani, emphasising a bottom-up approach that involves local communities and other stakeholders in the conservation process.

Descriptive and content analysis of breast cancer vlogs on YouTube.

18 Background: Vlogs, or “video blogs,” are personally-created experiential videos based on wide-ranging topics, usually posted to YouTube. Many women with breast cancer (BC) document their cancer experiences in YouTube vlogs. These may have the potential to serve as peer-to-peer support and provide community. This study provides a descriptive and content analysis of vlogs by women with BC. Methods: YouTube was searched in incognito mode in 11/2023 using the search terms “breast cancer vlog.” A maximum of 10 videos/creator were included based on viewership and date created. Video characteristics collected included: title, length, number of views, likes, comments, and playlist inclusion. Videos were assessed for sponsorship, presence of explanation and discussion on BC, type of content, and themes. Creator characteristics included age, location, and engagement approaches. Descriptive and content analysis were performed to assess and analyze video content and potential areas where peer-to-peer support may be provided. Results: 90 vlogs by 13 creators were included, all originating from personal accounts. Mean video length, number of views, and number of comments were 21.4 minutes (SD 9.1), 266,780 (SD 534,465), and 1485 (SD 3422), respectively. 38.9% included hashtags. 12.2% included paid sponsorships. Most common filming location was at home (96.7%), followed by the hospital (31.1%), or in the car (21.1%). Home vlogs were most often set in the living room (44.3%), bedroom (33.0%), or kitchen (20.6%). 56.7% included visuals of treatment as well as physical findings. Creators addressed motivation for vlogging in 48.9%; the two most common reasons were wanting to build a community and helping others in a similar situation. In 46.7%, creators explicitly expressed emotion. Most common themes were treatment (85.6%), mental health (81.1%), side effects (72.2%), appearance (63.3%), and family relationships (36.7%). Subthemes included young age, finances, and the importance of online community support. Patient-directed advice was offered in 60.0%, mostly on treatment-related issues. In 56.7%, creators provided explicit treatment definitions. Chemotherapy was discussed in 70.0%; surgery in 57.8%, primarily mastectomy; radiation in 30.0%; general side effects in 71.1%. 24.4% were about a new diagnosis. When mentioned (44.4%), most common creator location was the USA. When mentioned (30.0%), most common age demographic was 20-29 years old. Conclusions: Vlogs by women with BC receive significant levels of engagement. The dedication to building community demonstrated by vlog creators, and the personal nature of their storytelling, advice, and suggestions, may make these vlogs a potential resource for peer-to-peer support.

How to close the loop with citizen scientists to advance meaningful science

Citizen science yields increased scientific capacity in exchange for science literacy and promises of a more responsive science to society’s needs. Yet, citizen science projects are criticized for producing few scientific outputs and having exploitative relationships with the citizens who participate. In the eagerness to capture new data, scientists can fail to see the value of citizen scientists’ expertise beyond data generation and can forget to close the loop with outputs that benefit the public interest. Citizen scientists are experts in their local environments who, when asked, can improve scientific processes and products. To the degree that citizen scientists are relegated to data collection, we shortchange opportunities to advance science. Rather than merely critique, we present an evidence-based engagement approach for listening to citizen scientist participants and incorporating their input into science processes and products that can be retrofitted onto existing citizen science projects or integrated from a project’s inception. We offer this adaptable blueprint in four steps and illustrate this approach via a crowdsourced hydrology project on the Boyne River, USA. We show how engaging voices of citizen scientists at key points in the project improves both the products of science (a real-time ecohydrological model) and the process of conducting the science (adaptations to help improve data collection). Distinct from outreach or education, considering citizen scientists as an equally interesting site of inquiry can improve the practice and outputs of science.

Enhancing Sustainable Development Through Community Engagement

Public involvement is one of the fundamental requirements for sustainable development in any given society because it provides an added assurance of effectiveness and accomplishments. The following paper should endeavor to deliberate on the concept of community engagement for sustainable development with particular emphasis on the opportunity, challenge, and prospect in question. This concept also predicts a direct relationship between the increased involvement of the community members in projects and a consequent enhancement of the stakeholders’ concern, credibility, and efficiency of undertaking any project that has been identified with the community members. However, there are challenges such as inadequate capital, people’s attitudes, or the language barrier, also known as the language beast, and institutional support that have to be dealt with. These are the suggestions: the expansion of resource investment, the establishment of a culture of diversity, communication enhancement, and reinforcement of institutions. In the future, more findings should be done in terms of the effects of different engagement approaches in relation to new methods of engaging the learners and some other challenges that may add to the efficiency that has been observed here. Thus, various development projects can result in a less damaging and more inclusive outcome for the inhabitants of a specific community without leaving out the people’s contributions to the emergency, evolution, and growth of their society. Thus, it not only increases the effectiveness of the projects but also contributes to the improvement of the communities’ resilience and sustainability.

FRAP 2.0: a community engagement method applied to cervical cancer disparities among Hispanic women

focused Rapid Assessment Process (fRAP) 2.0 is a community engagement approach combining geospatial mapping with rapid qualitative assessment in cyclical fashion within communities to capture multifactorial and multilevel features impacting...

Reported community engagement in health equity research published in high-impact medical journals: a scoping review

ObjectiveTo assess reported community engagement in the design and conduct of health equity-focused articles published in high-impact journals.DesignScoping review follows guidance from the Joanna Briggs Institute and Preferred Reporting Items...

Empowering Women Leadership Through Community Mobilization to Prevent Early Marriage

This qualitative research study explored the impact of early marriages on women in Malang Regency and examined strategies for preventing such marriages by empowering women. Utilizing data collected through Focus Group Discussions (FGD), the research investigated the complex web of social, economic, and generational consequences resulting from child marriages in rural areas. The study highlights the significant role played by Women’s Leadership Houses (RKP) in the Singosari and Karangploso regions, where community mobilization is employed to foster gender equality and empower women. RKP’s community engagement approach allows members to dissect the underlying factors driving early marriages and adolescent interactions within their communities. The research uncovered a diverse range of issues associated with early unions, each uniquely shaped by the local environment. RKP’s methodology places a strong emphasis on problem identification and potential recognition, encompassing human and natural resources while challenging prevailing social norms that perpetuate early marriages. In conclusion, this study underscores the importance of empowering women and promoting gender equality as key strategies in preventing early marriages. Through qualitative research methods and community engagement via FGDs, we can aspire to create a future where early marriages become a historical relic and women attain the agency and opportunities they rightfully deserve. Keywords: Early Marriage; Women Empowerment; Community Mobi-lization; Gender Equality

Rethinking the “we” in “we” intentionality: intention-sharing with—and not simply about—things

ABSTRACT This paper aims to place the general thesis for a species-unique “shared” or “we” intentionality, against the theoretical background of the material engagement approach. We will argue that the human ability to enact and share intentions rests upon a relational and participatory foundation of situated activity where intentional transactions between humans as well as between humans and things (in the broadest sense of material environment) are inseparable from the situational affordances of their engagement. Based on that, the paper advocates for an ecological-enactive account of shared intentionality which understands material engagement as central to the evolution and development of human social cognition.

Primary care team perspectives on approaches to engaging patients in treatment for opioid use disorder

IntroductionEngagement is a critical component of successful treatment for opioid use disorder (OUD). However, rates of patient engagement in OUD treatment, especially in outpatient settings, are variable and often low. Little is known about the specific strategies members of primary care teams use to initiate and encourage ongoing participation in OUD treatment. In a national cohort of primary care clinics in the U.S., we explored the perspectives of primary care team members on the meaning of and approaches to OUD treatment engagement. MethodsWe conducted semi-structured interviews with 35 providers from multidisciplinary primary care teams in an existing national cohort of 13 clinics across seven states. Teams were delivering OUD treatment via the Collaborative Care Model, a model that combines primary care providers (PCP), behavioral health care managers (BHCM) and consulting psychiatric providers (CPP) in a structured way to provide patient-centered, team-based, and measurement-based care. Interview participants included 14 PCPs, 13 BHCMs, and 8 CPPs. Interviews asked open-ended questions about provider experiences and practices that aided or hindered patient engagement in OUD treatment. Interview transcripts were double-coded by trained qualitative researchers and analyzed using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches to identify themes. ResultsTwo themes emerged that describe provider perspectives on the meaning of engagement: 1) qualifying engagement by the volume of contact with patients, and 2) the need for more multidimensional measures of engagement. Six themes emerged that characterized provider engagement practices: 1) creating an environment of disclosure, 2) normalizing OUD treatment, 3) offering gentle but persistent outreach, 4) providing human connection and encouragement, 5) tailoring treatment to patient needs, and 6) avoiding stigmatizing responses. Analysis identified multiple replicable strategies that providers used to support these engagement practices. ConclusionsProviders consistently apply a range of strategies when trying to engage patients in OUD treatment. Specific engagement strategies used embodied compassion and pragmatism, hallmarks of patient-centered care. Further research is needed to understand the impact of scaling engagement approaches across all care settings.

“Why Couldn’t We?”: Experiences of Adversity, Cultural Strengths and Support Among First, Second, and Third+ Generation Mexican-origin Youth in Los Angeles

Latino/a/Hispanic adversity and adaptation literature has focused on cultural, acculturative and immigration-related stressors. Cultural and social strengths, key Latino/a/Hispanic features, and their concurrence, remain qualitatively underexplored. To enhance intervention and prevention, research understanding experiences of Latino/a/Hispanic youth adaptation representing three generations is needed. Forty participants participated in semi-structured interviews detailing adversity, cultural strengths and support during their youth. Thematic analysis approach guided coding of transcripts. Three coders met regularly to discuss and resolve differences, identifying emergent themes. The sample included 24 females and 16 males ( Mage = 27.9) characterizing three generations (first n = 15; second n = 14; third+ n = 11). Three main themes emerged: (1) perceived adversity, described discrimination, and related adversities; (2) cultural adaptation, adjustment, and the shaping of bicultural identities; and (3) supportive and formative relationships buffering adversity. Themes illustrated adversity and cultural strengths within Latino/a/Hispanic protective relationships and contexts. Findings inform policies that support Latino/a/Hispanic youth and family engagement and intervention approaches.

Experimenting urban living lab methodology on circular economy co-design activities in some Italian urban territories

The Urban Living Lab (ULL) is both a methodology and a place where different actors of a territory can collaborate with the aim of urban transformation and sustainable development. This paper briefly introduces a methodological framework, that combines stakeholder engagement and co-design process on Circular Economy (CE) ideas and projects. The structure of the methodological framework foresees four main phases: scouting and analysis of the territorial context, listening and exploration, participation and execution. The main objective of this paper focuses on the application and experimentation of the same ULL methodology framework in four different Italian urban territories (Anguillara Sabazia in the metropolitan area of Rome, Bologna, Taranto and Venosa, a small town in southern Italy), to highlight how the ULL is an effective approach for stakeholder engagement and co-design processes aiming to the transition toward CE. The discussion section of the four ULL cases highlights the main results of the co-design process: the ideation of project proposals of CE activities suitable for implementation in the reference urban territories. The four ULL cases have shown how the same methodological steps can be applied in urban areas with different geographical, territorial and socio-economic characteristics, with comparable results in terms of activating processes of engagement and co-design within the communities living there. In conclusion, experimenting the proposed methodological framework in each of the four urban areas, despite their differing characteristics, it has stimulated the growth of cultural capital and community ties. This was achieved through the exchange of different skills and the collaborative contributions of multidisciplinary teams, resulting in increased collective awareness.