Co-designing a Technology-based Health Research Results Dissemination Tool with AIAN People

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT This project aims to develop a culturally responsive technology tool for collaborative health research results dissemination with diverse American Indian and Alaska Native (AIAN) communities. New methods and technologies for respectful and culturally responsive research results dissemination are urgently needed both to

help researchers engage diverse participants and to serve those communities better. For many researchers, the primary methods of disseminating research results are to submit manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals or abstracts for conference presentations which essentially limits their audience to academic scholars. Limiting

dialogue between community stakeholders and researchers, many of whom may be unacquainted with community perceptions of health or community systems of sharing information, decreases the likelihood that study results will be implemented at a community level which can have a negative impact on community health

outcomes. Reliable health research information supports wellness but if that information is not presented using methods that are understandable and contextualized, they have less benefit. AIAN people have experienced a history of distrustful health research practice such as being exposed to procedures without informed consent

and having research results disseminated without community input or approval. Oversights like these increase the need for transparency and accountability in research at all stages from project conceptualization to results dissemination. Moreover, AIAN have been under-represented in large national health research initiatives—such

as NIH’s All of Us research program—or have not been consulted in meaningful ways about how best to implement health research or disseminate actionable findings relevant to local community context. Though there has been progress with community engagement in health research, only limited research has explored

collaboration specific to the results dissemination process. This study involves the co-design, co-development, and evaluation of a stakeholder collaboration tool for health research results dissemination with AIAN communities. For Aim 1, we will use value-sensitive design and user-centered design approaches to establish

value informed criteria to support activities for Aim 2A. In Aim 2A, we will integrate digital storytelling techniques with participatory design methods to co-design low fidelity prototypes for collaborative results dissemination. Aim 2B will involve pilot implementation of a prototype designed with data obtained from Aim 2A which will be

evaluated for feasibility and acceptability in AIAN communities. Success in this research will result in improved research communication and enhanced trust in health research which will increase the impact of health research overall by ensuring that research outcomes are effectively disseminated to AIAN communities. This will support

the community in understanding and possibly incorporating research recommendations.