Training in the Conduct of Population-Based Multi-Site and Multi-Disciplinary Studies: the Cancer Research Network’s Scholars Program

Abstract

Background Expanding the research capacity of large research networks within health care delivery systems such as the Cancer Research Network (CRN) requires strategically training both embedded and external investigators in necessary skills for this purpose. Methods We describe the goals and components of the CRN Scholars Program, a training program developed to increase the capacity for cancer research conducted within the network’s participating sites. Results The CRN Scholars training program was launched in 2007 as a 22-month training activity to assist junior investigators from member sites to develop independent and sustainable research programs within the CRN environment. As a result of an increased emphasis within the CRN on promoting collaborations with external research institutions, the 2013 Scholars’ program began recruiting junior investigators from institutions outside the CRN. Based on involvement of this broader population and feedback from the prior Scholar cohorts, the program has honed its focus on specific opportunities and issues encountered in conducting cancer research within networks of health care delivery systems. Conclusions Research within large multi-site networks affords collaborative research opportunities. Efficiency and effectiveness of working within networks is accelerated by strategic and mentored navigation. Investment in training programs specific to these settings provides the opportunity to improve multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional collaboration, particularly for junior investigators.

Mentoring New and Early-Stage Investigators and Underrepresented Minority Faculty for Research Success in Health-Related Fields: An Integrative Literature Review (2010–2020)

“…Mentoring of faculty in medical and health-related academic units occurred in a variety of formats, including in dyads or constellations, or with peers or groups, and either face to face or via distance (i.e., telementoring). Most papers recommended having multiple mentors (vs. the dyadic approach), and many advocated for assessing baseline research skills and re-evaluating progress regularly [ 47 , 56 , 68 , 70 , 84 , 87 ].…”

Cancer in Transgender People: Evidence and Methodological Considerations

“…Many such systems use electronic medical records systems that share similarly structured databases with identical variable names, formats, and specifications across sites (133). Consequently, the data collection methods applicable at 1 site can be disseminated to health systems across the United States as evidenced in the creation of various research consortia, such as the Health Care Systems Research Network (134), the Mental Health Research Network (135), and the Cancer Research Network (136). The existing research networks are already supporting transgender health research at selected sites (137).…”

Collaborating on Data, Science, and Infrastructure: The 20-Year Journey of the Cancer Research Network

“…The CRN infrastructure provided new opportunities to conduct large population-based research studies within integrated health care systems, but required skills and levels of understanding that are not acquired in current scientific training programs. In response to this training gap, the CRN established the CRN Scholars Program [7778] to assist junior investigators in: developing skills to collaborate with stakeholders in integrated health care systems, developing and using complex multisite data, and working in collaborative research teams anchored in delivery systems. The Scholars Program originated in 2007 as a 22-month training activity designed to help junior investigators at CRN sites develop research independence using CRN data and scientific resources.…”