246754 Using video blogs as a community engagement tool to overcome research knowledge gaps in Deaf communities

Monday, October 31, 2011: 3:00 PM

Tiffany Panko, MBA , National Center for Deaf Health Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
Matthew Starr, MPH , National Center for Deaf Health Research, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY
Lack of understanding of health disparities research concepts among historically overlooked communities is a barrier to effective participation in community-based participatory research (CBPR). Explanations of research concepts to uninformed community members have scarcely been adapted to the target community's preferred language. Educating in a culturally and linguistically appropriate approach may promote greater participation, but little is known about how to do this in Deaf communities. To further inform Deaf Americans about research concepts in their preferred language, we solicited research topics from our CBPR partners and translated the content into American Sign Language (ASL) in a video blog (vlog) format. This process was not a direct translation; rather, it was an adaptation by instilling culturally and linguistically appropriate explanations to fill in common knowledge gaps while maintaining the “learning points” from the source material. Five vlogs were created to illustrate research concepts (e.g., “what is informed consent?”). The vlogs were posted on the Internet through a website administered by the National Center for Deaf Health Research which garnered nearly 400 hits in two months. Web statistics revealed that 80% of the viewers used a search engine to find the vlogs. Deaf individuals may become more involved with research with the confidence that research is not an exclusive domain, but one that stands to benefit their community. Creating culturally and linguistically appropriate teaching tools through the Internet may aid in demystifying research among communities.

Learning Areas:
Communication and informatics
Diversity and culture
Public health or related education
Public health or related research

Learning Objectives:
1. Explain why culturally and linguistically appropriate video blogs are effective communication tools for Deaf people. 2. Discuss the importance of including basic research concepts when engaging community members not well-informed about research.

Keywords: Deaf, Community Participation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to present because I am not only a part of the research team, but also as a Deaf individual. I have an intimate understanding of the adaptation process, having been involved with translation, transcription, and adaptation work. I also am the creator of the five aforementioned vlogs.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.