What is PHR?

Participatory Health Research (PHR) is an umbrella of research approaches that strive to equitably collaborate with individuals, families, community and tribal members impacted by a health topic with the goal of producing knowledge and action to improve health and health equity. Unlike traditional research approaches, PHR honors community partners as co-researchers who share decision-making power and contribute equitably throughout all stages of the research process, from defining the research inquiry to translating findings into social action. This approach also embraces mutual capacity building, enhancing community assets and resources, and prioritizes community wisdom and perspectives. The aim is not only to generate knowledge but also to create meaningful and sustainable improvements in health and health systems, particularly for the ultimate benefit of underserved or marginalized populations.

Resources:

• Israel BA, Eng G, Schulz AJ, Parker EA. Introduction to methods for CBPR for health. In: Israel BA, Eng E, Schulz AJ, Parker EA, editors. Methods for community-based participatory research for health. 2nd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass; 2013. p. 3–37.
• Wallerstein N, Duran B, Oetzel JG, Minkler M. On community- based participatory research. In: Wallerstein N, Duran B, Oetzel J, Minkler M, editors. Community-based participatory research for health: Advancing social and health equity. 3rd ed. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass; 2018. p. 3–16.
• Allen, M. L., Salsberg, J., Knot, M., LeMaster, J. W., Felzien, M., Westfall, J. M., Herbert, C., Gonzales, G., Vickery, K., Culhane-Pera, K. A., Ramsden, V. R., Zittleman, L., Martin, R. E., & Macaulay, A. C. (2015). Engaging with communities, engaging with patients: Amendment to the NAPCRG 1998 Policy Statement on ethical research with communities. North American Primary Care Research Group. https://www.napcrg.org/media/1270/2014pr.pdf

How PHR Applies to Primary Care Research:

In the context of primary care, PHR is especially valuable because of the discipline’s focus on person-centered, community-oriented care. Primary care is often the first point of contact with the health system, making it a critical space to explore patient experiences, community health challenges, and gaps in service delivery. 

• Download the 2015 updated policy.
• Download the full 1998 NAPCRG policy. 
  • The document, "Responsible Research with Communities: Participatory Research in Primary Care," together with the recommendations for NAPCRG, was adopted as organizational policy, by the NAPCRG Board of Directors and membership at the NAPCRG Annual Meeting on November 6, 1998 in Montreal. This document grew out of a successful workshop on Respectful Research With Communities at the 1996 NAPCRG Annual Meeting. The NAPCRG membership and Board of Directors supported and financed development of this document. The Task Force solicited comments from interested parties and incorporated many suggestions into the revisions. This policy was updated in 2015.

Why Join the CASFM - PHR Workgroup?

As a member of this work group, you’ll join a collaborative community of researchers, patients, and stakeholders dedicated to advancing participatory research in primary care. Benefits of membership include:

• Group Listserv Access:
  • Stay informed and engaged via the work group’s email listserv, where opportunities, resources, and updates are shared.
• Ongoing Learning:
  • Participate in virtual meetings and presentations every 2–3 months, featuring new research, best practices, and emerging issues in participatory research.
• Annual In-Person Gathering:
  • Join the work group’s meeting events held every year at the NAPCRG Annual Conference to engage in work group planning, collaboration, and networking.
• Workshops and Preconference Sessions:
  • Contribute to or attend workshops and preconference presentations that aim to promote awareness of and build capacity for participatory research.
• Opportunities for Scholarship:
  • Collaborate on white papers, manuscripts, and policy statements that influence participatory health research and practice within family medicine