Lessons from the Research Field on Partnership in Pediatric Primary Care with Urban, Low-Income African American Parents

Abstract

Qualitative data collection offers a unique opportunity to partner with research participants. Lessons learned through the process of data collection with urban, low-income, African American parents are reflective of the research findings themselves. Carefully designed research studies can remove barriers and empower participants, broadening the reach and results. Recruitment within communities develops trust, and focus groups offer a more empowering method for interviewing marginalized populations. Parents desire to have solid partnerships with their children’s health-care providers so that with their providers’ guidance, their children can flourish. The process of implementing the research itself, and not just the results, reveals strategies for improving partnership between parents and health-care providers.