OCOE Research

group of researchers talking

Why is community-engaged research important?

Involving community members and patients in research is like including the solution in the equation. 

Partnering with community members, particularly those from populations with higher cancer rates or other disparities in outcomes, through every stage of the research continuum provides opportunities for mutual learning and trust-building between communities and researchers. By working together, we create research that truly matters—driving real change improving cancer outcomes for everyone.

Recruitment & Retention Shared Resource Services

The Recruitment & Retention Shared Resource (R&RSR), based in the Office of Community Outreach & Engagement (OCOE), supports Fred Hutch/University of Washington/Seattle Children’s Cancer Consortium (the Consortium) members with projects addressing cancer health disparities in Washington. We facilitate community-academic partnerships to encourage community and patient input at ALL stages of research, through the following services:

Culturally-Centered Research Support

  • Review of research protocol and study design
  • Evaluation of recruitment, retention and data collection strategies and tools
  • Study promotion & recruitment support (in-person/telephone/email)
  • In-person and virtual health education presentations
  • Interview and focus group support

Connections Between Community and Researchers

  • Meet with OCOE regional community advisory boards to receive direct feedback
  • Network with community organizations, hospitals, clinics, etc. to engage partners in potential research collaborations
  • Guidance on the creation of community advisory board

Technical Assistance

  • Letters of support for community-engaged research projects
  • Analysis and interpretation of catchment area cancer data 

After a R&RSR request is submitted, an initial consultation will be scheduled to assess scope of work and timeline. If the level of support requires more than light involvement or dedicated staff effort, an estimate for services will be provided to the researcher after the initial consultation.

To request an initial consultation with our R&RSR team, please complete our Intake Form.

Research Resources

Community Engaged Research

Learn about using Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) principles to authentically engage community in research. 

Engage community through Community Advisory Board (CAB) to co-create relevant research, study designs and recruitment strategies.

 

Washington State Data

CIF WA

Cancer InFocusTM is a data gathering and visualization platform designed to make understanding the cancer burden in a geographic area. Data sources include Sate Cancer Profiles (SCP), American Community Survey (ACS), PLACES, EJScreen, USFDA, and many more.  This platform was developed by the Community Impact Office at the University of Kentucky Markey Cancer Center. 

Read our 2025 Community Health Assessment Report. Report from 2025 assessment of cancer burden across Washington.

Read our Conversations in WA Report. Report from 2021-2022 listening sessions with community-based organizations and healthcare organizations across Washington.

Research Topics and Opportunities

  • GUIDE: This project's long-term goal is to create an effective structural intervention focused on increasing participation and representation in cancer clinical trials.
  • Patient Navigation ACS Grant: The goal of this funded project is to improve access to timely, equitable cancer care to all patients in our clinics by adding critical navigation services for Hispanic/Latino/a/x underserved patients who speak Spanish for medical care.
  • The Patient Needs and Outcomes Steering Committee provides oversight of health outcomes activities across Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and is responsible for the development and prioritization of the organization’s health outcomes strategy.

Read more on the Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) pilot grant page. Funds are available from the Fred Hutch/University of Washington Cancer Consortium (“The Consortium”) Cancer Center Support Grant (CCSG) to support cancer-related pilot projects.

Listen to OCOE Heath Equity NOW! Podcast

Research Episodes include:

Season 5, Episode 3: Indigenous Representation in Research Part 2

Season 4, Episode 9: Indigenous Representation in Research

Season 4, Episode 5: Understanding Women’s Health through the Women’s Health Initiative

Season 4, Episode 3: Prostate Cancer Action and Advocacy with BACPAC

Multiple Myelomas Disparities

For our season premiere, we sit down and address the issues surrounding the diagnosis and treatment of Multiple Myeloma and breakthroughs in medicine and research as we look to address health outcomes with this rare cancer.

OCOE, CBPR Practices and Spokane

OCOE welcomes the new Community Health Educator, discuss our thoughts and experiences with Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR), and our new efforts in Spokane, WA.

Contact Us

We are available to talk about our research, engagement and outreach efforts and how we can support your work.

Mailing Address

The Office of Community Outreach and Engagement
1100 Fairview Ave. N.
Mail Stop M4-A402
Seattle, WA 98109