Development of a Noncredit Research Training Program for Clinical Researchers

• Activity Number: 258
• Type: Contributed
• Date/Time: Monday, August 2, 2010 : 2:00 PM to 3:50 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Teaching of Statistics in the Health Sciences
• Author(s): Lori Lyn Price*+ and John Griffith
• Companies: Tufts Medical Center and Tufts Medical Center
• Keywords: curriculum development ; teaching non-statisticians ; CTSI ; non-credit research training program

Abstract

The "Excellence in Research" program developed by the Tufts Clinical and Translation Science Institute (CTSI) consists of short lectures and workshops covering statistical topics, study design, grant writing, and statistical software. The purpose of this program is to increase the research "comfort level" for clinicians at Tufts University, its affiliates, and Tufts Medical Center by exposing them in a friendly, non-technical way to common research topics and concerns. Our hospital-based group of statisticians and epidemiologists offer more than 20 free, interactive, and example-driven classes that actively involve the participants. We discuss challenges met and lessons learned in choosing which classes to offer, customizing topics to meet the needs of our participants, and choosing the appropriate technical level of instruction.