Identifying the need for developing new frameworks for partnerships in community based research: An assessment of federally qualified health centers in South Carolina

Purpose: The purpose was for federally-qualified health centers (FQHC) in South Carolina to conduct a self-assessment of interest in, readiness to, and capacity for conducting research, including collaborating and partnering with academic researchers. 

Methods: Twenty FQHCs were contacted to participate in a web-based survey of 39 items to assess general research experience and interest, partnership and funding for research, staffing and ethical review, barriers and benefits to participation in research, training/technical assistance needs, and capacity.  Responses from in-depth interviews will be used to analyze perceptions of partnering/collaborating with academic institutions.   

Results: Fourteen FQHCs responded to the web-based survey (response rate=70%). Previous research experiences with external groups were categorized as successful/somewhat successful by all respondents (100%). However, respondents also indicated that the partnership was not equitable in terms of budget and resources (40%), that researchers viewed the organization more as a site for research than as a true partnership (30%), and 100% of the respondents felt that their role in the research process was to recruit participants and collect data.  Understanding about what is involved to conduct research, dedicated staff time to conduct or participate in research and methods to publish and disseminate findings were all deemed as barriers to conducting research and partnering with other entities.

Conclusion: The results are being used to develop a framework for partnerships between FQHC and/or other community centered service providers and academic institutions for evidence based research.