scholarly journals 4116 Comprehensive training and support for Research Professionals at the University of Minnesota

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 58-58
Author(s):  
Jennifer Maas ◽  
Megan Hoffman ◽  
Jessica Wright

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: Coordinating research studies is multifaceted and requires a foundational level of research knowledge, skills and abilities in order to contribute to high-quality, ethical research projects that adhere to local and federal regulations as well as Good Clinical Practice. Oftentimes, coordinators who are new to research or new to an institution have trouble navigating the research landscape. Departments within the University of Minnesota have limited resources to devote to developing robust training programs above and beyond protocol or department-specific training. Therefore, UMN’s CTSI created a comprehensive training and support program for research professionals at the University of Minnesota. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: CTSI employs several strategies to provide a comprehensive training program for the University of Minnesota Research Workforce. The offerings are based on the The Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency (JTF). In addition to training programs, valuable resources, materials, and connections are provided to trainees.An Onboarding process for new coordinators that includes a welcome email upon hire that provides resources as well an opportunity to meet face-to-face to get their questions answered about where to start with research training.Foundations for Research professionals, two week (20 hour) training program, provides a foundational level of knowledge to new coordinators via in-person and online training modules.Informed Consent 1 & 2 provides in-person training on the informed consent including the process, documentation, and ethical issues around consenting vulnerable populations.Over 40 on-line research training modules that coordinators can take at anytime.An active list serv that connects >600 research professionals with training updates and opportunities.Bi-weekly seminar series that provides a forum to share current regulations, best practices, resources, and guidelines pertaining to clinical research at the University.An online training “Roadmap” tool that customizes individual research training plans, and includes an inventory of training available.RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: 218 research professionals participated in our Foundations blended training program with 191 completing (88% completion rate) the entire training. A comprehensive assessment based on national competencies is completed by all participants at Baseline and Post training. Baseline scores average at 75% and Post scores average at 82% (7% increase). Satisfaction is measured and participants are overall satisfied with the training, 4 out of 5 on a Likert Scale.353 research professionals have participated in our Informed Consent Session 1 & 2 in-person training. Satisfaction is measured and participants are overall satisfied with the training, 4.5 out of 5 on a Likert Scale.Over 190 research professionals have utilized our research on-line training modules.Training participants have been from 27 different departments across the University.The Clinical Research Professional Development Seminar Series has offered over 87 seminars with 4907 total attendees. These seminars are offered in-person and live stream.DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Establishing a comprehensive training program at the University has streamlined the training that research professionals receive across departments. It also ensures that all coordinators have access to research training, a network of other research professionals, resources, and continuing education opportunities.

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (S1) ◽  
pp. 51-52
Author(s):  
Jennifer Maas ◽  
Megan Hoffman ◽  
Janet Shanedling ◽  
Jason Kadrmas ◽  
Trung Ngo ◽  
...  

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: To respond to the need for a simple tool to answer individual researchers questions: Exactly what training do I need to complete for my study and my role? Where can we go to find a comprehensive record of my research training? METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Identify the factors that determine what training is required for each role (i.e., PI, coordinator, biostatistician) at the University, their role on the research study, type of funding, population being studied and responsibilities/duties on the research team. Develop an inventory of training required according to federal and local regulations and guidelines. Identify other related factors that ensure ongoing compliance for research professionals (i.e., medical licenses, CVs, immunizations, and credentials). Collaborate with programming professionals to explore and confirm the feasibility of such a Web site. Incorporate formal usability and pilot testing as part of the programming design process. Develop User Guide and Marketing and Launch plan for users and supervisors. Implement phased launch of the site with Google analytics, and evaluate the experience of phase I users. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Three months user data and evaluation results demonstrated: 149 users created Training Roadmaps on the site. Users were from 67 different department codes, with the Department of Psychiatry the primary user. 20 users responded to a survey three months after launch. Research coordinators were the primary focus for phase I and represented almost half of the users. Survey respondents rated the site ease of use and clarity of the site as its greatest benefit. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: In September 2017, CTSI launched a new web-based training tool exclusively for University of Minnesota clinical research professionals who work with human participants, and their supervisors. The Human Research Training Web site is a free, easy-to-use tool to help identify and maintain the appropriate training, certification, credentials, and immunizations needed to perform University of Minnesota research with human participants. The Web site offers the University’s first systematic way to identify which research training is necessary for each research professional, and a system to track and maintain training compliance. Training records and information from the University of Minnesota’s central databases are securely integrated into this tool. Our Web site tool enhances research compliance. Any given study team member’s training requirements vary based on several criteria such as: role at the University, role on the research study, type of funding, population being studied and responsibilities/duties on the research study. The research training Web site generates required and optional training based on individuals’ responses to these questions. This Web site also links to the training, which decreases error in taking the wrong training. Furthermore, it provides completion data for research training and is a repository for vital study information such as: medical licenses, CVs, and credentials. Supervisors are able to view training and credentials. They are alerted when one of their employee’s licenses or certificates are about to expire. Uses-to-date and evaluation feedback have informed the need for a second phase of Web site enhancements. This site will reside in both the CTSI Web site and the HRPP Web site. A link will be sent to all new University research employees upon hiring. The Human Research Training Web site will likely have applicability to other universities in addition to the University of Minnesota.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (s1) ◽  
pp. 59-59
Author(s):  
Jessica Wright ◽  
Jennifer Maas ◽  
Megan Hoffman

OBJECTIVES/GOALS: 1.Assess the institutional and individual training needs and gaps in the conduct of human research for PIs at the University of Minnesota.2.Define the training program’s learning objectives.3.Develop and implement an in-person training session that addresses the gaps.METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: Establish a planning committeeIdentify required and optional training that is already available for PIs, then determine gapsUnderstand research training needs based on conversations with departmental and human research protection program leaders.Develop learning objectives and curriculum based on Federal and Local regulations, guidelines, and policies.Establish a feedback loop regarding research compliance with the HRPP, to assess trends and ensure continuous improvement.Evaluate the training program’s participants using confidence and satisfaction measures.RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Developed and piloted a 90-minute in-person training program entitled “PI Primer” with the goals of: Increasing awareness and knowledge of the role and responsibilities of the Principal Investigator (PIs) according to the International Harmonization for Good Clinical Practice (ICH-GCP), Federal Regulations (FDA, DHHS, ect.), and University of Minnesota Policies.Identifying root causes for receiving an FDA 483 (inspection findings).Addressing and preventing common inspection findings (CAPA).Describe individual and institutional conflict of interest (COI), and identify the key steps necessary to manage COIs.DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: OHRP’s guidance on the “Responsibilities of Investigators” states that it is the Institution’s responsibility to provide human research training on a wide variety of topics to ensure the ethical conduct of research and protection of participants. PI Primer provides an in-person forum for investigators to build upon required responsible conduct of research and good clinical practice training to be able to apply the role and responsibilities of a PI to their own research. PI Primer also establishes a network of PIs in order to enhance connectivity and shared learning.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (S1) ◽  
pp. 48-48
Author(s):  
Megan Hoffman ◽  
Jennifer Maas ◽  
Lisa Johnson

OBJECTIVES/SPECIFIC AIMS: To increase knowledge and application of clinical research coordinator competencies among Research Professionals at the University of Minnesota. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: The UMN’s CTSI developed and piloted a Foundations for Research Professionals training program comprised of: a baseline assessment, 7 online modules, 4 in-person training sessions, video and reading assignments and a post assessment, which totaled 30–35 hours of training and covered the following topics: preparing for a study, study management, participant recruitment and engagement, assessing capacity to consent and the informed consent process. This course also provides valuable resources and connections to online references and materials. The competencies for this program were based on work of the Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competency. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: 30 clinical research professionals completed the pilot program and averaged an increase of 6.5% from baseline assessment to post assessment. Participants were asked to rate their confidence on a variety of role-based competencies at the time of preassessments and postassessments. Trends show an increase in confidence for all competency areas after completion of the training program. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE OF IMPACT: Developing a workforce of competent research professionals is integral to improve the efficiency, quality, and ethics of research. The Foundations for Research Professionals training program increased knowledge of clinical research coordinator competencies. We will assess impact on application of the competencies 6 months after completion of the program. Our next steps include offering the training program as a 2-week session on an ongoing basis for new coordinators at the University of Minnesota.


2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danai T. Zhou ◽  
Charles C. Maponga ◽  
Munyaradzi Madhombiro ◽  
Admire Dube ◽  
Runyararo Mano ◽  
...  

Low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs) have high disease burdens, necessitating increased research. However, LMIC research output constitutes only 2% of global total. To increase output, researchers must be capacitated. The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) and the University at Buffalo (UB), developed and implemented the AIDS International Research Training Program (AITRP), in 2008, that focused on graduate scholars. The subsequent HIV Research Training Program (HRTP), begun in 2016, and piloted post-doctoral training to enhance research productivity at UZ. This report discusses the collaboration. As of 2016, prospective candidates applied by submitting letters of intent, research proposals, curriculum vitae and biographical sketches. The scholars research training included hypothesis and project development, completion of grant applications, research project budgets, research presentations to diverse audiences and the application of advanced statistics to research data. The first cohort of five postdoctoral scholars were trained at UZ and UB, between 2016 and 2019. Through the formalized postdoctoral training approach, scholars identified areas of focus. In 2017, one of the scholars obtained a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Emerging Global Leader Award and is now a highly-rated researcher based in South Africa. A second scholar made NIH D43 and K43 grant applications, while the remaining three are academicians and early researchers at UZ. Although research output in Africa and many LMICs is low, it can be built through cooperation similar to the UZ-UB HRTP. This manuscript reports on an effort aimed at building individual and institutional research capacity in Zimbabwe. This can serve as a model for building other similar training programs.


2005 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 8-10
Author(s):  
Gloriajean L. Wallace ◽  
Nancy A. Creaghead

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