Communication and Engagement Theories Informing a Developing Biorepository

Theoretical Background and research questions/hypothesis:  Biorepositories and other types of tissue repositories increasingly fuel new research techniques in cancer and other diseases with significant impacts on human health (Fullerton et al., 2010; Gottweis et al., 2011; Winickoff et al., 2003). As biorepository development advances, it opens up a new field of study: that of determining what roles members of the public, patients, scientists, and clinicians play in supporting biorepositories. Several Seattle-area institutions are currently cooperating to found the NW BioTrust (NWBT), a tissue repository that solicits residual tissue specimens primarily from clinic patients. Questions exist regarding biorepositories’ abilities, including those of the NWBT, to a) encourage donation, b) increase science literacy, c) secure truly informed consent, and d) promote donor trust. This presentation focuses on the phase of my project concerned with identifying and synthesizing theoretical models and best-practices that inform communication and engagement strategies. Theories are not always invoked during communication projects. They are valuable, however, for giving frameworks and for articulating validated dimensions of practice [Cragan, et al. 1999]. No single theory in the literature can—or even strives to—thoroughly explain the complexity of human communication and behavior change, making it advisable to seek out the theories most applicable to a project’s various dimensions. While remaining aware of public health education and health behavior scholarship, I am crafting a transdisciplinary model to guide my project, and will thus be including theories from other academic fields of study.

Methods and Results (informing the conceptual analysis):  I have conducted a literature review spanning multiple disciplines, including social marketing, communications, technology, science communication, public relations, and biobanking/biorepositories to arrive at a critical meta-analysis on theoretical constructs and models that could drive materials and engagement strategy development for the NWBT. I am synthesizing these theories in a coherent framework to inform NWBT practices. I have identified Narrative Paradigm Theory (NPT), Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory (AUMT), and Social Exchange Theory, set within the larger framework of Stage Theory, as theories likely suitable to the project of working with multiple stakeholders while designing and building the NWBT and its attendant communications materials and practices. I am examining how a coherent synthesis of these theories can inform and drive materials development and impact.

Conclusions:  Biorepository development is a fairly new field that presents multiple fresh facets for research examination. In order to facilitate informed research, the coherent application of relevant theories is crucial. While it is impossible to find a perfect compromise between theories that could be applied to biorepository-related projects, I have identified four theories I am finding useful in application to the NWBT project.

Implications for research and/or practice:  The theories presented show new ways to conceive of biorepository-based projects and illuminate avenues of consideration that could lead to communications and engagement strategy best-practices.