Exploring Residency Program Directors, Preceptors, and Residents' Intentions to Participate in Multicenter Pediatric Pharmacy Resident Research Projects

OBJECTIVE The purpose was to explore preceptors, residency program directors (RPDs), and residents' beliefs and intentions in participating in multicenter pediatric resident research projects (PRRPs). METHODS This exploratory qualitative study used the theory of planned behavior to explore beliefs, attitudes, and intentions toward participation in a multicenter PRRP. Two focus groups were formed: RPDs/preceptors and pharmacy residents. The primary objective was to identify attitudes/salient beliefs, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls regarding participation in multicenter PRRPs. The secondary objectives included identifying potential barriers and mitigation strategies for multicenter PRRPs. Descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis were performed. RESULTS The 2 focus groups included 24 participants: RPDs/preceptors (n = 16) and pharmacy residents (n = 8). The RPD/preceptor group had a mean of 7.4 ± 5.4 years of research experience; all residents had prior research experience as students. Participants shared and contrasted their salient beliefs, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control beliefs about logistical challenges, networking, mentoring, sample size, collaboration, workload, shared responsibilities for data collection and the institutional review board application, and resources associated with participation in multicenter PRRPs. Other items that participants felt were important were discussion of authorship order and dedicated research time for residents. CONCLUSIONS Participants provided favorable comments toward multicenter PRRPs but acknowledged some barriers. The resident, preceptor, and RPD intention to participate in multi-center PRRPs is very likely if they perceive this as an opportunity for increased networking and mentorship, increased likelihood of publication, enhanced research skill experience, and shared resources and responsibilities.

Impact of COVID-19 on Postgraduate research in Obstetrics and Gynaecology: Challenges, Solutions and Opportunities

Objectives: COVID-19 pandemic has affected medical services and facilities throughout the world. This has resulted in unavoidable decline in postgraduate training and learning in different medical specialties. There has been reduction in all aspects of training and learning of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBG) residents in general and research training in particular. At the time of the study, although limited institutions have started to put some efforts to resume and endure resident research in OBG but still there are no uniform adaptive measures which can be implemented in all of the institutions. The present study was conducted with the aim to assess challenges faced by OBG residents in doing research during COVID-19 pandemic in a government medical college of India. We also assessed the helpfulness and support provided by the Thesis Mentorship Programme (TMP) of the department during pandemic. Material and Methods: A self developed semi structured, pre-validated questionnaire was mailed to the residents of the OBG training program of our medical college. It was completed anonymously by them after accepting an informed consent. Results: 21 postgraduates from the second and third year OBG residency participated in this cross-sectional study. We found that COVID-19 pandemic was associated with a significant research training impairment. There was “some” to “complete interruption” in the various research activities of the residents. The research aspect most severely affected was data collection. Also majority of residents were satisfied with the support offered by the TMP of the department in sustaining resident research during pandemic. Conclusion: COVID-19 has significant and critical implications for the resident research training in OBG.The TMP and similar experiences also helps residents in continuing research during untoward circumstances. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(5) 2021 p.77-84