# Evaluating the success of community engagement in the Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control Equity

## TL;DR

This study assesses how well a cancer control research center engaged with community health centers, finding mostly positive feedback but some challenges.

## Contribution

The study introduces a method for evaluating community engagement in implementation science through staff feedback.

## Key findings

- Most CHC staff perceived their engagement with ISCCCE positively.
- Over 92% felt respected and saw projects as beneficial.
- Limited staff time and resources were the main challenges identified.

## Abstract

Community-engaged research is essential to advance the implementation of evidence-based practices, but engagement quality is rarely assessed. We evaluated community health centers’ (CHCs) experiences partnering with the Implementation Science Center for Cancer Control Equity (ISCCCE) using an online survey of 59 CHC staff. Of 38 respondents (64.4% response rate), most perceived their engagement positively, with over 92% feeling respected by ISCCCE collaborators and perceiving projects as beneficial. Limited staff time and resources were the main challenges identified. This study suggests the utility of gathering feedback to evaluate community research engagement and inform adaptations of research processes to optimize partnership quality.