From Solo in the Silo to Strategic Training Programs

An evaluation of the Interdisciplinary Psychosocial Oncology Research Group and Laboratory: An initiative to enable intersectoral and interdisciplinary collaboration

Background

Psychosocial oncology (PSO) is an interdisciplinary field that is often practised and researched in disciplinary silos. The Interdisciplinary PSO Research Group and Laboratory (IPSORGL) was developed in Ottawa (Ontario) to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and training amongst trainees, healthcare professionals (HCPs), and researchers.

Methods

The research team conducted an implementation and outcome evaluation of the IPSORGL. Data were collected using sequential mixed methods, including surveys and interviews.

Results

Eight trainees, six HCPs, and five researchers completed the survey. Six trainees and four HCPs participated in an interview. Benefits of the IPSORGL included establishing interdisciplinary connections and collaborations and obtaining unique training in a supportive environment. Challenges included members' differing preferences for meeting formats and content, and difficulties prioritizing the IPSORGL over other academic or clinical demands.

Conclusions

The IPSORGL fosters essential interdisciplinary training and collaboration, which bolsters psychosocial oncology research and practice. The sustainability of such initiatives, however, requires formal institutional support.

Évaluation du Laboratoire d’études et de recherche interdisciplinaire en oncologie psychosociale : initiative visant à favoriser une collaboration intersectorielle et interdisciplinaire

Contexte

L’oncologie psychosociale (OPS) est un domaine interdisciplinaire, mais souvent, la pratique et les travaux de recherches se font en vase clos. Le Laboratoire d’études et de recherche interdisciplinaire en oncologie psychosociale a été créé à Ottawa, en Ontario, pour favoriser la collaboration interdisciplinaire et la formation de stagiaires, professionnels de la santé et chercheurs.

Méthodologie

L’équipe de recherche a évalué la mise en place du Laboratoire et ses résultats. La collecte de données s’est faite à l’aide de méthodes mixtes séquentielles, c’est-à-dire par sondage et entrevues.

Résultats

Huit stagiaires, six professionnels de la santé et cinq chercheurs ont répondu au sondage. Six stagiaires et quatre professionnels de la santé ont été interviewés. Du côté des avantages du Laboratoire, on a signalé la création de liens et d’occasions de collaboration interdisciplinaires, de même que l’offre d’une formation unique en son genre dans un milieu favorable. Parmi les défis, on a relevé des divergences quant aux préférences dans le format et contenu des rencontres, et la difficulté de donner priorité au Laboratoire plutôt qu’aux activités en clinique ou en recherche.

Conclusion

Le Laboratoire rend possible les essentielles formation et collaboration interdisciplinaires, ce qui accélérera la pratique de l’oncologie psychosociale et la recherche dans ce domaine. Cependant, pour être durables, les initiatives de ce type nécessitent un soutien officiel de la part des établissements.

Strategic Training in Transdisciplinary Radiation Science for the 21st Century (STARS21): 15-Year Evaluation of an Innovative Research Training Program

PURPOSE

To evaluate the 15-year impact of a transdisciplinary research training program for graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, and clinical trainees focused on radiation science, entitled Strategic Training in Transdisciplinary Radiation Science for the 21st Century (STARS21) with a primary objective to build capacity in radiation research.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Alumni (n = 128) and mentors (n = 41) who participated in STARS21 between 2003 and 2018 were sent an anonymized online survey designed to evaluate the program. Twelve alumni and 7 mentors also volunteered to participate in semistructured interviews. The transcribed interviews were coded and analyzed using NVivo12-Pro software. Alumni employment and publications were assessed from program records and by web-based search queries.

RESULTS

Alumni are located in 11 countries, and nearly 90% are employed in a research-oriented career and continue to publish in radiation medicine- or cancer-related fields. Of those invited, 46 alumni (36%) and 12 mentors (29%) completed the online survey. Approximately 87% of alumni valued interdisciplinary collaboration, and 80% indicated that STARS21 had encouraged them to pursue such collaborations. Alumni emphasized that STARS21 assisted their career development, and the majority of alumni and mentors would recommend STARS21 to other trainees (4.48 and 4.58, respectively; 5 = strongly agree). The time invested in the program was perceived by mentors as worthwhile for the knowledge and skills gained by trainees (4.67; 5 = strongly agree), and 64% of mentors indicated that these benefits were associated with improved trainee research productivity. From the alumni and mentor perspectives, the valuable skills acquired from STARS21 included scientific communication (85% and 83%, respectively) and networking (83% and 92%, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

STARS21 is an innovative research training program that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration in radiation medicine research, which is valued by alumni and mentor respondents. Alumni can acquire important skill sets for career development, with a large proportion of alumni currently engaged in radiation research around the world.