Developing Methods of Engagement in Somali immigrant Communities in the Era of COVID-19

Background: There has been much proactive mobilization of key partners and stakeholders in Minnesota, working together to be responsive to the needs of the Somali immigrant community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet there remain significant gaps in effective methods of community engagement in PCOR/CER. Proposed Solution to the Problem: There is a need to: identify the community perspectives on novel and effective ways to conduct engagement in the COVID-19 context; share those methods with a wide range of stakeholders and seek their input on proposed methods; and evaluate emerging methods of engagement with real-world COVID-19 PCOR/CER or dissemination activities. Objectives: The project team's long-term objective is to build capacity to ensure sustained and effective engagement of Somali immigrant patients in COVID-19-related PCOR/CER. In order to do this, the team has three key objectives: Objective 1: Using a multi-pronged approach, engage community members for input on: preferred methods of community engagement to ensure broad reach in the community; views on the priorities for COVID-19-related PCOR/CER topics; and views on capacity building needed to support participation in PCOR/CER projects. Objective 2: Disseminate and obtain feedback on novel methods of patient engagement to stakeholders and partner organizations, including healthcare providers, public health entities, and state and governmental agencies. Objective 3: Evaluate the reach, engagement, adoption, and implementation of at least three key methods of engagement in relation to PCOR/CER or dissemination activities relating to COVID-19.