Use of the "Step-back" Method for Education Research Consultation at the National Level: A Pilot Study

Research vision workshopping: Peer mentoring to support the transition to independence

The transition to independence requires shared enthusiasm for one's research goals from broad audiences. In this commentary, we describe the use of "research vision workshopping" within peer mentoring networks. We contend that this approach is broadly useful for the development and refinement of research visions for the academic job search.

The Impact of Women's Agency on Accessing and Using Maternal Healthcare Services: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Agency, defined as the ability to identify one's goals and act upon them, has been recognized as a prominent strategy to access maternal healthcare services (MHS). The purpose of this study was to synthesize evidence of the association between women's agency and MHS utilization. A systematic review was performed on five academic databases, comprising Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and ProQuest. Meta-analysis was performed with a random-effects method using the STATA™ Version 17 software. A total of 82 studies were selected following the PRISMA guidelines. The meta-analysis demonstrated that an increase in women's agency was associated with a 34% increase in the odds of receiving skilled antenatal care (ANC) (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18-1.52); 7% increase in the odds of initiating the first ANC visit during the first trimester of pregnancy (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01-1.12); 20% increase in the odds of receiving at least one ANC visit (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.04-1.4); 16% increase in the odds of receiving more than four ANC visits during pregnancy (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.12-1.21); 17% increase in the odds of receiving more than eight ANC visits (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.04-1.32); 13% increase in the odds of facility-based delivery (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.09-1.17); 16% increase in the odds of using skilled birth attendants (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.13-1.19); and 13% increase in the odds of receiving postnatal care (OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 1.08-1.19) compared to low level of agency. Any efforts to improve MHS utilization and reduce maternal morbidity and mortality should include the promotion of women's agency.

Virtual Mentoring: Two Adaptive Models for Supporting Early-career Simulation Investigators in the Era of Social Distancing

BACKGROUND

Early-career simulation investigators identify limited mentorship as a common barrier to disseminating scholarship and launching a successful academic career in emergency medicine (EM). Conferences often bridge this gap, but the COVID-19 pandemic has forced their indefinite delay. Virtual solutions are needed to capitalize on the breadth of national simulation research experts and grow mentorship in a postpandemic world.

METHODS

We developed two complementary innovations to facilitate scholarship development and minimize COVID-associated career challenges resulting from social distancing requirements. The e-fellows forum (FF) provides a capstone experience for works-in-progress and the e-consultation service (CS) supports simulation research during the earlier project stages of design and development. In conjunction with the Society for Academic Medicine's Simulation Academy, we applied videoconferencing technology for both of these novel, virtual innovations. We analyzed corresponding chat transcripts and detailed field notes for emerging themes. In addition, we collected quantitative data via participant surveys regarding their experiences and impact on their projects.

RESULTS

Nine simulation fellows presented at the FF and seven junior simulation investigators participated in the CS sessions. Most preferred the virtual format (56% FF, 66% CS) and found the sessions to be helpful in project advancement (66% FF, 100% CS). COVID-19 affected most projects (89% FF, 67% CS). We identified three themes via qualitative analysis: design concerns and inquiries, validation or support shown by mentors and peers, and professional cohesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants felt that both virtual mentorship innovations advanced their simulation research projects and fostered a sense of professional cohesion within a greater community of practice. These benefits can be powerful at a time where simulation researchers in EM feel disconnected in an era of social distancing. Our future work will include adaptations to a hybrid model with both virtual and in-person modalities as well as creation of more e-mentorship opportunities, thus broadening the early-career simulation research community of practice.