title: The role for community-based participatory research in formulating policy initiatives: promoting safety and health for in-home care workers and their consumers.
abstract: Although community-based participatory research (CBPR) can be effective in influencing policy, the process of formulating policy initiatives through CBPR is understudied. We describe a case study to illustrate how alliances among various community partners could be united to formulate policy directions. In collaboration with partners, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health initiated a project aimed at improving health and safety for low-income elderly and disabled persons and their in-home care workers. Community partners and stakeholders participated in focus groups, stakeholder interviews, and meetings; they played multiple roles including identifying organizational policy changes the partners could initiate immediately, as well as broader public policy goals. Results indicated that a strong community partnership, participation, and shared values contributed to successful formulation of policy initiatives.
authors.affiliation: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
authors.forename: Fang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Gong
authors.forename: Sherry
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Baron
authors.forename: Linda
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ayala
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Stock
authors.forename: Susannah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: McDevitt
authors.forename: Cathy
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Heaney
mesh_terms: D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D017144:Focus Groups; D018576:Home Health Aides; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D016272:Occupational Health; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D011050:Policy Making