Enhancing Diversity in Health Research through Research Engagement Network (REN): A Hyperlocal Community- Based Approach in North West London (NWL)

N. DSOUZA1,2, G. SATHYAMOORTHY1,2, K. ARMANI1,2, K. DHARMAYAT1,2 and E. KWONG1,2

1 Department of Primary Care and Public Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom

2 NIHR Applied Research Collaborative North West London (ARC NWL), Ethnicity & Health Unit (EHU)

Introduction & Aim

Communities championing their own health is crucial to providing sustainable and integrated health services of the future. However, research in integrated care has an underrepresentation of population groups, particularly ethnic minority communities, that are at increased risk of developing diseases. Community-based participatory research1 is where community and research stakeholders have meaningful dialogue. Embodying this approach, ARC NWL4 delivered the Research Engagement Network 2 (REN) initiative to promote diversity in research participation3 in NWL (Figure 1), an area of over 2.4 million population through a multi-pronged approach.

 This project aimed to engage diverse communities, foster meaningful dialogue with Community Research Champions 5 (CRCs) on research diversity, and influence research priorities through community insights.  

Method

A bottom-up, community-based approach was employed to engage diverse populations in two ethnically varied NWL districts. 

1. Community Research Champions from within the community were trained and led discussions on diversity in research

2. Health Roadshows in collaboration with local Primary Care Networks (PCNs), carried out health and wellbeing checks with an emphasis on the cost-of-living crisis.