A Community-engaged Approach to Research Translation: The CIPHERS Project.

PROBLEM: Translating research to support practice is becoming a more prominent goal in the scientific community. However, further innovation and research is needed on effective approaches to this endeavor. PURPOSE: This case study describes an approach that combines the insights of diffusion of innovation theory with the philosophy and practices of community engagement. KEY POINTS: Elements of our approach included staged dissemination, iterative active engagement, multi-pronged and tailored messaging, use of networks, contextualization of study findings, and emergent strategy. Our work proceeded in five stages, from laying the groundwork to deepened partnership. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience illustrates the challenges and confirms the benefits of a community engaged, partnered, and non-linear approach to research translation aimed at improving public health.

The state of diabetes in North Carolina.

The diabetes epidemic is rapidly growing in North Carolina. In 1999, an estimated 366,000 residents were living with diagnosed diabetes. Ten years later, the prevalence of diagnosed cases had increased to approximately 659,000. Diabetes is the seventh leading cause of death in the state and decreases life expectancy by up to 15 years. If the epidemic remains unchecked in the state, annual health care costs are predicted to exceed $17 billion by 2025. Prevention of diabetes and diabetes-related complications through treatment and disease self-management is paramount in changing this deadly and costly course and demands continued innovation in health programs and services and new partnerships among health professionals. This article reviews the diabetes burden in North Carolina and sets the stage for commentaries and sidebars in the accompanying policy forum.

Radiology nursing.

Radiology nursing is a relatively new field in which nurses can use multiple skills in caring for adult and pediatric patients. The authors present an overview of the role nurses play in interventional radiology, nuclear medicine, ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and mammography. In addition, information about the professional affiliations and certification in the American Radiological Nurses Association is provided.

Program prioritization to control chronic diseases in African-American faith-based communities.

OBJECTIVE: In the last decade, African-American congregations have been inundated with requests to participate in health promotion activities; however, most are not equipped to effectively participate. We assessed the effect of providing congregation leaders with skills on identifying their own health needs, planning, and implementing their own interventions. METHODS: At baseline, 21 congregational leaders from South East Raleigh, NC were taught methods for developing needs assessments, planning, and implementing health promotion activities tailored for their congregations. After approximately four years, 14 of the 21 congregations were successfully recontacted. RESULTS: At baseline, the congregation leadership ranked diabetes as the ninth (out of 10) most urgent health concern in their communities. However, at follow-up, not only was diabetes identified as the most serious health concern, but most congregations had taken advantage of available community and congregational resources to prevent it. Larger congregations were more likely than smaller ones to take advantage of available resources. CONCLUSIONS: Larger African-American congregations are an effective vehicle by which health promotion messages can diffuse; however, the leadership must be provided with skills to assess health needs before selecting programs most beneficial to their congregations. Mechanisms by which small congregation leaders can participate need development.