Ready or not? Observations from a long-standing community engagement advisory board about investigator competencies for community-engaged research http://bit.ly/2SyLiR7 "competency-based education is required to increase the preparedness and skills needed for community-engaged research"

[Annette McKinnon]

I tweeted this about education for researchers. I'll paste the conclusion below. It seems like good advice to me. I'm sorry the font is so small

Ready or not? Observations from a long-standing community engagement advisory board about investigator competencies for community-engaged research http://bit.ly/2SyLiR7 "competency-based education is required to increase the preparedness and skills needed for community-engaged research"

"Community engagement is essential to the successful translation of interventions and other healthcare advances into community settings. However, competency-based education is required to increase the preparedness and skills needed for community-engaged research. Educational opportunities can take the form of fellowship programs, courses, conferences, science cafes, certifications, workshops, and service learning approaches [31]. Whatever form or format, educational programs should help investigators at all levels develop core competencies. These should be identified by a robust process like other competency training programs. Input from experienced community partners and community-engaged researchers should guide development of training approaches for CCTS affiliated investigators. Here we have started the conversation. If CTSAs believe in a bright future for translational science, it is necessary to enhance the profile of community engagement practices in the education of students and fellows, and prepare them for the long-term commitment with community that is required for successful partnerships and outcomes. Equally important would be to give recognition to those skills by taking them into account for job promotion."