Advancing workforce diversity by leveraging the Clinical and Translational Science Awards (CTSA) program

Developing a city-wide, community-engaged cancer disparities research agenda

INTRODUCTION

In response to high levels of cancer disparities in Philadelphia, PA, three NCI-designated clinical cancer centers formed Philadelphia Communities Conquering Cancer (PC3) to bring stakeholders together and establish infrastructure for future cancer reducing initiatives. The PC3 coalition aimed to develop a prioritized cancer disparities research agenda in order to align cancer center resources and research interests with the concerns of the community about cancer, and to ensure that initiatives were patient- and community-centered.

METHODS

Agenda development activities culminated in a city-wide cancer disparities conference. The conference, attended by 55 diverse stakeholders, was the venue for small group discussion sessions about cancer concerns related to prevention, early detection, treatment, survivorship, and quality of life. Sessions were guided by a moderator guide and were audiorecorded, transcribed, and analyzed by the PC3 leadership team. Results were reviewed and consensus was achieved with the help of PC3's Stakeholder Advisory Committee.

RESULTS

Stakeholders identified four thematic areas as top priorities for cancer disparities research and action in Philadelphia: communication between patients, providers, and caregivers; education that reaches patients and community members with tailored and targeted information; navigation that assists people in finding and accessing the right cancer screening or treatment option for them; and representation that diversifies the workforce in clinics, cancer centers, and research offices.

CONCLUSION

A community-informed, prioritized research agenda provides a road map for the three cancer centers to collaborate on future initiatives that are important to patients and stakeholders, to ultimately reduce the burden of cancer for all Philadelphians.

Expanding pathways to clinical and translational research training with stackable microcredentials: A pilot study

Introduction

The proportion of physician-investigators involved in biomedical research is shrinking even as the need for high-quality, interdisciplinary research is growing. Building the physician-investigator workforce is thus a pressing concern. Flexible, "light-weight" training modalities can help busy physician-investigators prepare for key stages of the research life cycle and personalize their learning to their own needs. Such training can also support researchers from diverse backgrounds and lighten the work of mentors.

Materials and Methods

The University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Clinical Research Education designed the Stackables Microcredentials in Clinical and Translational Research (Stackables) program to provide flexible, online training to supplement and enhance formal training programs. This training utilizes a self-paced, just-in-time format along with an interactive, storytelling approach to sustain learner engagement. Learners earn badges for completing modules and certificates for completing "stacks" in key competency areas. In this paper, we describe the genesis and development of the Stackables program and report the results of a pilot study in which we evaluated changes in confidence in key skill areas from pretest to posttest, as well as engagement and perceived effectiveness.

Results

Our Stackables pilot study showed statistically significant gains in learner confidence in all skill areas from pretest to posttest. Pilot participants reported that the module generated high levels of engagement and enhanced their skills, knowledge, and interest in the subject.

Conclusions

Stackables provide an important complement to formal coursework by focusing on discrete skill areas and allowing learners to access the training they need when they need it.

"Join the team" clinical research workforce development model: A new paradigm in healthcare career opportunities

The University of California (UC) Davis Clinical and Translational Science Center has established the "Join the Team" model, a Clinical Research Coordinator workforce pipeline utilizing a community-based approach. The model has been extensively tested at UC Davis and demonstrated to generate a viable pathway for qualified candidates for employment in clinical research. The model combines the following elements: community outreach; professional training materials created by the Association for Clinical Research Professionals and adapted to the local environment; financial support to trainees to encourage ethnic and socioeconomic diversity; and internship/shadowing opportunities. The program is tailored for academic medical centers (AMCs) in recognition of administrative barriers specific to AMCs. UC Davis's model can be replicated at other locations using information in this article, such as key program features and barriers faced and surmounted. We also discuss innovative theories for future program iterations.