Facilitating the active engagement of community stakeholders in research, evaluation, and policy development

Behavioral Health Research With Community Involvement

Behavioral Health Research Solutions (BHRS) works with health-related organizations to actively engage community stakeholders in their research, quality management, and other data driven projects. The aim is to study behavioral health (mental health, addictions) issues important to the community and to produce actionable findings and recommendations that translate into practice, policy, and further research. We have over 20 years’ experience in this work, with clients that include universities, health care providers, government, community groups, managed care and health technology companies.

Involving People With Behavioral Health Conditions In Service Development And Research

The focus is on mental health and addiction disorders. While policies and regulations now promote recovery-oriented practices, implementation and quality management approaches remain unproven and impractical. One major reason for this is the limited involvement of people with behavioral health conditions in service development and research.
High levels of stigma are a significant barrier here based on stereotypes of incompetence and unpredictability. Research and other assessments have not focused on the service and support needs and preferences of dually stigmatized populations (e.g., race/ethnicity, LGBTQI), certainly not in a way that centers those populations in the research.

A group of diverse people sitting around in a circle talking.
A man in a wheel chair holding a microphone talking to a group of people.

Customizable Research And Evaluation Services And Products

The services and product package varies per customer need, but often includes:

  1. Active stakeholder engagement in research and evaluation through training and consultation.
  2. Integration of Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) processes with population-based service models and systems of care.
  3. A report on how participation was achieved, highlighting sustainable processes for maintaining an “action learning” organizational culture.
  4. Research or assessment report(s), including articles for peer reviewed journals.
  5. Research and other data-driven recommendations that guide entities to significantly improve services.
  6. Dissemination toward gaining the attention of management, government, community members, and funders that are in a position to alter or change policies and even laws in accordance with our reports.
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