Collaboration between community and academic partners is an increasingly popular strategy to address research and action on local health issues. Partnershps where frontline experience and academic rigour are pooled to meet the current demands for relevant applied research has great appeal to funders and community groups alike. Yet collaboration in itself is no guarantee of either an equitable or productive partnership.
This project represents a complex partnership between a large academic institution and a number of community based organizations working to 1) develop an interactive geographic information system (GIS) useful to its end users including local Community Health Centres and their health planning needs; and 2) study the process of collaboration as these diverse partners worked together in the development of the information tool. This paper focuses on the collaborative processes and the lessons learned therein.
Academics from the sciences, social sciences and social work disciplines found it as challenging to find common ground with each other as community representatives did with the academicians. Challenges to the process included a)the distinct cultures of the partners with attendant differences in language and understanding, knowledge development, trust in each others' skills and expertise, and issues of power and authority; b)the time involved in developing the research process; and finally and perhaps most importantly, c)accepting the uncertainty and ambiguity inherent to collaborative, participatory research itself. Recommendations to community organizations, academics, and funders are provided and can be applied to other collaborations.
Learning Objectives: Participants will learn about the process of collaboration and recognize potential challenges and facilitators of equitable partnerships. The varying perspectives of frontline community health service providers, coalition members and the academic community will be considered. Participants will be able to articulate aspects of collaboration, to understand and assess issues of equitability and to apply that understanding to their own collaborative projects
Keywords: Collaboration, Community Research
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: University of Toronto, South East Toronto Organization, South Riverdale Community Health Centre; Regent Park Community Health Centre
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.