Research Activities - Research Curriculum

An evaluation of the research curriculum was conducted in December to assess faculty and resident support needs. Findings indicated that using lecture as the primary instructional method to advance resident's knowledge of the basic principles of research was limited in effectiveness.
As a result, the curriculum was redesigned to include multiple methods of instruction, such as, one on one coaching and small group discussions.. The curriculum ranges from global learning objectives (applies to all residents in all stages of research) to focused learning objectives ("just in time" learning as a resident engages in the research process).
Residents are required to present proposals and final research studies at their program's Resident Research Day. Faculty mentors encourage residents to submit these research studies to regional and national conferences for presentation and/or to submit manuscripts of these research projects for publication.

Interdisciplinary Grand Rounds (IDGR)
Mechanism:	These monthly, hour-long sessions address learning needs common to residents in all programs. Sessions are mandatory, and residents who are unable to attend or wish to review sessions can access video-taped presentations on the SEAHEC intranet.
Topics:	Design & Methodology Planning Obtaining Approval from the Institutional Review Board Study Execution & Conclusions
Competencies:	Practice Based learning and Improvement Professionalism Systems Based Practice
Facilitators:	Director, Clinical Research, University of North Carolina, Wilmington Clinical Research Officer at New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Small Group Discussions
Mechanism:	During these 30-60 minute discussions, residents within a program describe their current research initiatives and provide feedback to one another. While each session is designed to focus on a specific component of epidemiological research, discussion is flexible given the needs of the group. Additionally, system resources for research are reviewed.
Topics:	Research Ethics and Institutional Review Board (IRB) Developing a Research Question Reviewing Relevant Literature Research Design and Methodology Data Collection and Entry Statistical Methods Preparing for Presentations and Publications
Resources:	Institutional Review Board Faculty Mentors Medical Librarians AHEC Digital Library Assistance from Research Interns GME Research Analyst (study design & statistics) Research Coordinator (study design & clinical research) Improving Performance in Practice Protecting Human Research Participants certification
Competencies:	Practice Based Learning And Improvement Interpersonal and Communication Skills Professionalism Systems Based Practice
Facilitators:	Faculty Research Champion; GME Research Analyst
Individual Coaching
Mechanism:	One-on-one sessions focus on targeting an individual's knowledge gaps relative to an actual research project. Coaching occurs using multiple modes of communication, such as, face-to-face, by phone and through email.
Topics:	Study Design & Methodology Informed Consent Medical Knowledge Facility Resources Statistical Relevance and Analysis IRB Compliance Requirements
Competencies:	Practice Based Learning And Improvement Medical Knowledge Interpersonal and Communication Skills Systems Based Practice
Facilitators:	Faculty Mentor, GME Research Analyst, IRB Compliance Office
Journal Club
Mechanism:	Hour long sessions during which current literature selected by faculty is presented by residents for discussion. Residents rotate leading the group in an in depth analysis of the article.
Topics:	Research Design & Methodology Appraising Results for Relevance Statistical Testing Various Topics regarding Medical Knowledge
Resources:	Medical Journals
Competencies:	Medical Knowledge Practice Based Learning and Improvement Interpersonal and Communication Skills
Facilitators:	Faculty; GME Research Analyst; Residents