Purpose: To describe the development and implementation of a centralized research tool to facilitate increased faculty and medical student collaboration in academic research.
Background: Medical student participation in clinical and translational research is critical to help develop the future of academic physicians. Historically, a streamlined method for fostering participation of students in research has not existed. This has placed an excessive burden on Clerkship Directors and Program Directors for guidance of students in this arena. A centralized platform is urgently needed for student-faculty research collaborations
Methods: Faculty physicians received a pre-implementation survey. Responses were recorded on a five-point Likert scale. A streamlined form was developed to prompt faculty to log open and upcoming research opportunities. Upon completion, the form\'s data is automatically published for student viewing. The student then inputs their personal information to the project of interest which flags projects as \"claimed\".
Results: Surveys were completed by 31 attending physicians. 61.3% expressed dissatisfaction of current research efforts, and 61% expressed strong disagreement when asked if they knew how to involve students in research. Prior to the implementation of this platform, 16 research projects on the department research list, comprising less than half of total open research studies. Only 37.5% of projects involved medical students. 80.6% of respondents expressed strong interest in utilizing a central research platform.
Discussions: Implementation of an automated research collaboration tool can help improve access and involvement of faculty and medical students in scholarly activity. Further study with post-implementation comparative analysis would provide indication of platform efficacy.
Topics: CREOG & APGO Annual Meeting, 2021, Student, Resident, Faculty, Clerkship Director, Clerkship Coordinator, Osteopathic Faculty, Residency Director, Residency Coordinator, Systems-Based Practice & Improvement, Interpersonal & Communication Skills, GME, UME,
Gina Harper-Harrison, MD, Creighton University School of Medicine; Breanna Elger; Nick Sheridan
