The Health Equity Academic Research in Pediatric Hospital Medicine (HEAR-PHM) program is a new initiative created to equip Pediatric Hospital Medicine Fellows and early-career faculty with the tools needed to conduct impactful health equity research. Through educational sessions and hands-on research projects, the program aims to foster a generation of researchers dedicated to addressing health disparities in pediatric healthcare. This NIH-funded program is co-directed by Drs. Gabrina Dixon and Kavita Parikh in the Hospital Medicine Division at Children’s National Hospital.

In a recent November session, the program focused on Community-Based Research, which involves partnering with communities throughout the research process to ensure findings are relevant and sustainable. Led by Darcel Jackson, Desiree de la Torre, and Dr. Lanre Falusi, the presentation highlighted the role of community engagement in research and the importance of building trust, transparency, and mutual respect between researchers and community members to drive meaningful change.

A key component of the presentation was a video on The Principles of Trustworthiness, which discussed historical reasons for mistrust in healthcare and offered strategies for institutions to establish themselves as trustworthy. The video, paired with the speakers’ insights, underscored that trust is central to effective community engagement and the development of equitable research outcomes.

The presenters shared a Community Engagement Framework outlining critical pillars for successful community-based research. This framework includes defining clear roles, maintaining regular communication, involving partners in joint decision-making, and upholding ethical standards like informed consent and data ownership. Following this framework fosters an environment where community members feel respected and actively involved, which is essential for achieving equitable research outcomes.

Finally, the session discussed practical strategies to overcome engagement barriers and ensure ethical practices, along with resources to support community-engaged research. These include advisory boards, participatory action research, and funding from NIH and other sources. The HEAR-PHM program ultimately prepares participants to build lasting partnerships with communities, addressing health disparities with research that builds upon the strengths and meets the needs of those served.

Takeaways: Building Trust & Equity in Health Research

The presentation concluded with a look at the vital role of trustworthiness in community-based research. By emphasizing equity, building trust, and addressing barriers such as resource gaps and cultural differences, researchers can create more inclusive, impactful studies that reflect community needs.

Key Messages:

1. Equitable Partnerships – Foster equal and respectful relationships with community members.
2. Building Trust – Prioritize trust and transparency to create a supportive environment.
3. Overcoming Barriers – Identify and address common obstacles, such as capacity building and ethical considerations, to promote sustainable, impactful research.

Through initiatives like HEAR-PHM, the next generation of pediatric hospitalist researchers and educators is equipped to address health disparities and work toward a more equitable future in healthcare. This collaborative approach ensures that health research isn’t just about data but about meaningful, community-centered solutions that make a lasting difference.