Rios R, Estapé E, Díaz C, Segarra B, Martin M San
University of Puerto Rico, School of Public Health (PUERTO RICO).
University of Puerto Rico-School of Health Professions (PUERTO RICO).
INTED Proc. 2015 Mar;2015:7577-7584.
The University of Puerto Rico (UPR), Medical Sciences Campus (MSC) post-doctoral Master of Science in Clinical and Translational Research (MSc) program aims to train Hispanic post-doctoral candidates to advance their careers and become successful clinical and translational researchers geared to help eliminate health disparities. Its curriculum highlights the use of technology and online resources to maximize time use of time and efforts. As part of the assessment efforts, the program's Evaluation Committee leads an annual activity, Evaluation Retreat (ER), to evaluate the program's curriculum, research component, and mentoring experience according to Scholars' perspective. Results are used by the Program Executive committee for further planning and improvement. This analysis presents the most relevant results from these activities.
Data collection (from last 5 years), include quantitative (online surveys) and qualitative approaches (a group meeting with Scholars.) Questionnaires request Scholars to rate specific features of the program's research component, mentoring experience and curriculum. It also includes questions about the program in general (major strengths and challenges, and recommendations for improvement. During the group meeting, Scholars discuss these results and present consensus in a plenary session. Quantitative data are managed and analyzed using the statistical software SPSS. Qualitative data are examined using content analysis.
Scholars identified as program's strengths the networking opportunities (local and with U.S. experts), the diversity of peers and faculty, the faculty support, the technical and audiovisual support, the physical facilities and resources, the guest speakers and consultants, and the quality of the curriculum. Challenges vary as cohorts change, but time limitations and the need for technical/statistical support are always highlighted. Recommendations for improvement emphasize the need for a greater pool of experienced mentors, and more hands-on approaches to address particular skills such as, manuscript development, institutional and federal guidelines for proposal submission, and issues related to the research project management.
Evaluation Retreats provide a valuable input to improve a program geared to develop competent clinical researchers. Findings evidence the program's commitment with providing the foundation for an enhanced mass of clinical researchers.
波多黎各大学（UPR）医学科学园区（MSC）临床与转化研究理学硕士博士后项目旨在培养西班牙裔博士后候选人，推动其职业发展，使其成为致力于消除健康差距的成功临床与转化研究人员。其课程强调利用技术和在线资源，以最大限度地利用时间和精力。作为评估工作的一部分，该项目的评估委员会每年举办一次活动，即评估务虚会（ER），从学者的角度评估项目的课程、研究部分和指导经验。项目执行委员会利用这些结果进行进一步规划和改进。本分析展示了这些活动中最相关的结果。
数据收集（过去5年）包括定量方法（在线调查）和定性方法（与学者进行小组会议）。问卷要求学者对项目研究部分、指导经验和课程的具体特征进行评分。还包括关于项目总体情况的问题（主要优势和挑战以及改进建议）。在小组会议期间，学者们讨论这些结果，并在全体会议上达成共识。定量数据使用统计软件SPSS进行管理和分析。定性数据采用内容分析法进行审查。
学者们将网络机会（本地和与美国专家的交流）、同行和教师的多样性、教师支持、技术和视听支持、实体设施和资源、客座演讲者和顾问以及课程质量视为项目的优势。挑战因学员群体的变化而有所不同，但时间限制以及对技术/统计支持的需求始终被突出强调。改进建议强调需要更多有经验的导师，以及采用更具实践性的方法来解决特定技能问题，如论文撰写、机构和联邦提案提交指南以及与研究项目管理相关的问题。
评估务虚会为改进一个旨在培养合格临床研究人员的项目提供了宝贵的意见。研究结果证明该项目致力于为培养更多临床研究人员奠定基础。
