Driving key partner engagement by integrating community-engaged principles into a stakeholder analysis: A qualitative study

Casey Allen; Emily Frankel; Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway; Heidi Keeler; Dave Palm; Brooke Fitzpatrick; Paul Estabrooks; Keyonna M King

doi:10.1017/cts.2024.665

Driving key partner engagement by integrating community-engaged principles into a stakeholder analysis: A qualitative study

J Clin Transl Sci. 2024 Nov 27;8(1):e219. doi: 10.1017/cts.2024.665. eCollection 2024.

Authors

Casey Allen¹, Emily Frankel¹, Shinobu Watanabe-Galloway², Heidi Keeler³, Dave Palm⁴, Brooke Fitzpatrick³, Paul Estabrooks⁵, Keyonna M King⁶

Affiliations

¹ University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Medicine, Department of Neurological Sciences, Omaha, NE, USA.
² University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, Omaha, NE, USA.
³ University of Nebraska Medical Center, Office of Community Engagement, Omaha, NE, USA.
⁴ University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Department of Health Services Research & Administration, Omaha, NE, USA.
⁵ University of Utah, Department of Health and Kinesiology, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
⁶ University of Nebraska Medical Center, College of Public Health, Department of Health Promotion, Omaha, NE, USA.

Abstract

Introduction: The stakeholder analysis approach has historically been top-down rather than collaborative with key partners. However, this approach poses challenges for key partner engagement and community-engaged research, which aims to incorporate key partners throughout the project. This study, conducted by the Community Engagement Network at a Midwest Academic Medical Center, seeks to examine the value of community-engaged research for diverse key partners to increase collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and enhance impact, ultimately driving key partner engagement.

Methods: The study involved semi-structured interviews with 38 key partners from diverse groups, including community members, community organizations, Practice-Based Research Network members, researchers, research administration, university administration, and potential funders. The interview guide, informed by an extensive literature review, assessed perceived value, barriers, and improvement strategies for community-engaged research, supplemented by value proposition statements.

Results: The analysis revealed three main themes: 1) Fostering Community Buy-In: Authentic representation and inclusive partnerships were essential for trust and commitment; 2) Enhancing Communication and Dissemination: Effective communication strategies were vital for maintaining engagement and sharing research outcomes; and 3) Building Capacity and Ensuring Sustainability: Continuous learning and long-term investments were crucial for sustaining community-engaged research efforts.

Discussion: This study underscores the value of incorporating key partners into stakeholder analyses to enhance collaboration, strengthen partnerships, and improve the impact of community-engaged research. The findings offer valuable insight for institutional transformation and implementation of effective stakeholder analyses and engagement tools, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of research strategies and initiatives.

Keywords: Stakeholder engagement; community engagement; community-engaged Research; key partners; qualitative methods; stakeholder analysis; sustainable partnerships; value proposition.