A participatory evaluation framework in the establishment and implementation of transdisciplinary collaborative centers for health disparities research.
We describe the formulation and implementation of a participatory evaluation plan for three Transdisciplinary Collaborative Centers for Health Disparities Research funded by the National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities.



Although different in scope of work, all three centers share a common goal of establishing sustainable centers in health disparities science in three priority areas - social determinants of health, men's health research, and health policy research.



The logic model guides the process, impact, and outcome evaluation. Emphasis is placed on process evaluation in order to establish a "blue print" that can guide other efforts as well as assure that activities are being implemented as planned.



We have learned three major lessons in this process: (1) Significant engagement, participation, and commitment of all involved is critical for the evaluation process; (2) Having a "roadmap" (logic model) and "directions" (evaluation worksheets) are instrumental in getting members from different backgrounds to follow the same path; and (3) Participation of the evaluator in the leadership and core meetings facilitates continuous feedback.
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Preventive Medicine, 1530 - 3rd Avenue S., Birmingham, AL 35294-4410, United States. Electronic address: Scarinci@uab.edu.
Isabel C
IC
Scarinci
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Preventive Medicine, 1530 - 3rd Avenue S., Birmingham, AL 35294-4410, United States.
Artisha
A
Moore
Bayou Clinic, 13833 Tapia Lane, Bayou La Batre, Alabama 36509, United States.
Regina
R
Benjamin
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Preventive Medicine, 1530 - 3rd Avenue S., Birmingham, AL 35294-4410, United States.
Selwyn
S
Vickers
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Preventive Medicine, 1530 - 3rd Avenue S., Birmingham, AL 35294-4410, United States.
James
J
Shikany
University of Alabama at Birmingham, Division of Preventive Medicine, 1530 - 3rd Avenue S., Birmingham, AL 35294-4410, United States.
Mona
M
Fouad
D055812:Community-Based Participatory Research; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006291:Health Policy; D054624:Health Status Disparities; D006801:Humans; D033183:Interdisciplinary Communication; D054525:Minority Health; D016730:Program Development / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation / Q000379:methods*; D012107:Research Design
Evaluation; Frameworks; Health disparities; Transdisciplinary
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