Community-Engaged Research in Vascular Surgery: An Approach to Decrease Amputation Disparities and Effect Population Level Change

Community-engaged research (CEnR) is a powerful tool to create sustainable and effective change in health outcomes. CEnR engages community members as equal partners, amplifying their voices and priorities by including them throughout the research process. Such engagement increases the relevance and meaning of research, improves the translation of research findings into sustainable health policy and practice, and ultimately enhances mutual trust between academic, clinical, and community partners for ongoing research partnership.

There are a number of key principles that must be considered in the planning, design and implementation of CEnR. These principles are focused on inclusive representation/participation, community empowerment, building community capacity, and protecting community self-determination. Although vascular surgeons may not be equipped to address these issues from the ground up by themselves, they should work with a team who can help them incorporate these elements into their CEnR project designs and proposals. This may be best accomplished by collaborating with researchers and community-based organizations who already have this expertise and have established social capitol within the community.

This manuscript describes the theory and principles of CEnR, its relevance to vascular surgeons, researchers, and patients, and how using CEnR principles in vascular surgery practice, research and outreach can benefit our patient population, with a specific focus on reducing disparities related to amputation.

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