Implementation of a formal pharmacy residency research certificate program

Abstract

Purpose We describe the structure, implementation, and initial evaluation of a formal residency research certificate program (RRCP) designed to further advance residents’ knowledge and skills in research in an effort to better prepare residents for research involvement during their careers. Summary Pharmacy residency programs vary in the degree of emphasis on research education and training and the structure of resident research activities. Limited data describing formal research education and training for pharmacy residents are available. To better educate and prepare residents in the research process, State University of New York Upstate University Hospital developed and implemented a formal RRCP designed to educate and train residents in essential areas of the research process. Research seminars are delivered by preceptors with experience and training in research throughout the academic year to align with residency project tasks. Residents are also required to complete at least 1 residency project and submit a manuscript suitable for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. Upon successful completion of the program and project requirements, residents earn a certificate of completion. Initial data collected through formal resident assessments before and after RRCP completion demonstrated significant improvement in research knowledge (from an average score of 61.3% out of 100% to an average score of 84.7%, P = 0.002). Conclusion Post-RRCP assessment showed improvements in residents’ confidence in several areas of research, including but not limited to research project design, ethical and regulatory principles of research, data collection, selection of appropriate statistical tests, manuscript writing, and the publication process. Residents strongly agreed that the RRCP improved their overall knowledge and perceptions of research.

Learning on the run – a qualitative, longitudinal study of pharmacy educators’ experiences implementing a hospital pharmacy residency program

“…Currently, literature investigating pharmacy educators’ experiences implementing a residency at a national level is limited. Most studies reported on the experience in single healthcare services and longitudinal observations on how experiences change over time are lacking [ 34 – 36 ]. They reported on localised challenges, e.g.…”

“…They reported on localised challenges, e.g. sustaining funding for resident and post residency positions, communication between supervisors to ensure a clear understanding of residents’ progress and the development of time management skills by residents [ 34 – 36 ]. In comparison, this study provides unique insights from educators over a longer period of time regarding a nationwide program.…”

Best practices for supporting and improving pharmacy resident research and quality improvement projects

“…Such development programs are highly variable, with a spectrum of time commitment, content, review, and practice opportunities. 18,19,[35][36][37][38][39] Program providers are variable and include residency preceptors, the site of the residency program, the college or school of pharmacy, local or national pharmacy organizations, and interprofessional organizations. Development programs may be free or may require purchase; thus, the choice of program may depend on residency funding capabilities.…”

“…Timing of the research program is also variable, with some occurring during residency orientation and others delivered at milestone points where learners receive the specific research knowledge needed as they begin or complete a step in the research process. Studies have shown improvement in resident confidence in completing research activities after completion of a research development program, 18,19,36,37 though a barrier to such training is balancing it with other required experiences.…”

Residency research training: Need to rethink the prescription for success?

“…Offering a formal research certificate with specific requirements that both the program and resident need to meet may help provide more focus and improved research experience for the resident. 10 As discussed by Morbitzer et al, increased collaboration within and between residency programs and schools of pharmacy can leverage expertise and share resources on resident projects. There needs to be more oversight and guidance provided to residents on how to conduct research.…”