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Jones CT, Liu X, Hornung CA, Fritter J, Neidecker MV. The competency index for clinical research professionals: a potential tool for competency-based clinical research academic program evaluation. Front Med (Lausanne) 2024; 11:1291667. [PMID: 38596792 PMCID: PMC11002201 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2024.1291667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Accreditation of graduate academic programs in clinical research requires demonstration of program achievement of Joint Task Force for Clinical Trial Competence-based standards. Evaluation of graduate programs include enrollment, student grades, skills-based outcomes, and completion rates, in addition to other measures. Standardized measures of competence would be useful. Methods We used the Competency Index for Clinical Research Professionals (CICRP), in a separate-sample pretest-posttest study to measure self-confidence or self-efficacy in clinical research competency comparing cohorts of students entering and completing a master's degree program in clinical research across three semesters (summer 2021 - spring 2022). CICRP is a 20-item Likert scale questionnaire (0 = Not at all confident; 10 = extremely confident). Results The study sample of 110 students (54 in the entry course, 56 in the exit course) showed overall 80.9% entered the program with only a baccalaureate degree and 55.5% had no prior experience in managing clinical trial research. Cronbach alpha for the instrument showed a high level of content validity (range 0.93-0.98). Median CICRP item rating range at entry was [1, 6] and at exit [7, 10]. Mean CICRP total score (sum of 20 items) at entry was 72.7 (SD 41.9) vs. 167.0 (SD 21.1) at exit (p < 0.001). Mean total score at program entry increased with increasing years of clinical trial management experience but attenuated at program exit. Conclusion This is the first use of the CICRP for academic program evaluation. The CICRP may be a useful tool for competency-based academic program evaluation, in addition to other measures of program excellence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolynn Thomas Jones
- Center for Clinical Translational Science, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Xin Liu
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Carlton A. Hornung
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Jessica Fritter
- Center for Clinical Translational Science, College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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Fritter J, Harper C. The importance of developing a financial audit process: An academic medical center perspective. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e223. [PMID: 38028336 PMCID: PMC10643909 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical research studies run the risk of being in a deficit leading to premature study termination or a desperate struggle to find new funding to continue the research. It is important for institutions, small or large, to have financial oversight during the research process. We created a financial audit process for a core clinical research department at a pediatric hospital. Understanding where to find your costs, what costs are important, and other elements of the audit process are essential. Knowing how to replicate a financial audit process can help you eliminate the risk of a financial deficit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Fritter
- The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Cody Harper
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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Lee GA, Fritter J, Shihabuddin CD. Increasing safe clinical spaces and the efforts of clinical research for uninsured and underinsured LGBTQIA2+ patients: A case study of the Rainbow Clinic - a student-run free LGBTQIA2+ clinic. J Clin Transl Sci 2023; 7:e218. [PMID: 38028348 PMCID: PMC10643935 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2023.641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
LGBTQIA2+ patients often experience discrimination and hostility in healthcare spaces. Negative perceptions of healthcare can contribute to poor health outcomes in LGBTQIA2+ patients. This population is rarely included in clinical trials through a lack of inclusion in study protocols, informed consent, and trials not addressing their needs and demographics. Many clinical institutions have created LGBTQIA2+-specific clinics; however, few have successfully developed a free clinic dedicated to this population. A Rainbow Clinic was formed at an established student-run free clinic, utilizing the existing infrastructure. Dissemination of this clinic's creation can help others replicate similar initiatives.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jessica Fritter
- The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Columbus, OH, USA
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Knapke JM, Jenkerson M, Tsao P, Freel S, Fritter J, Helm SL, Jester P, Kolb HR, Mendell A, Petty M, Jones CT. Academic medical center clinical research professional workforce: Part 2 - Issues in staff onboarding and professional development. J Clin Transl Sci 2022; 6:e81. [PMID: 35949655 PMCID: PMC9305080 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Defining key barriers to the development of a well-trained clinical research professional (CRP) workforce is an essential first step in identifying solutions for successful CRP onboarding, training, and competency development, which will enhance quality across the clinical and translational research enterprise. This study aimed to summarize barriers and best practices at academic medical centers related to effective CRP onboarding, training, professional development, identify challenges with the assessment of and mentoring for CRP competency growth, and describe opportunities to improve training and professionalization for the CRP career pathway. Materials/Methods Qualitative data from a series of Un-Meeting breakout sessions and open-text survey questions were analyzed to explore the complex issues involved when developing high-quality onboarding and continuing education opportunities for CRPs at academic medical centers. Results Results suggest there are several barriers to training the CRP workforce, including balancing foundational onboarding with role-based training, managing logistical challenges and institutional contexts, identifying/enlisting institutional champions, assessing competency, and providing high-quality mentorship. Several of these themes are interrelated. Two universal threads present throughout all themes are the need for effective communication and the need to improve professionalization of the CRP career pathway. Conclusion Few institutions have solved all the issues related to training a competent and adaptable CRP workforce, although some have addressed one or more. We applied a socio-technical lens to illustrate our findings and the need for NCATS-funded academic medical centers to work collaboratively within and across institutions to overcome training barriers and support a vital, well-qualified workforce and present several exemplars from the field to help attain this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M. Knapke
- University of Cincinnati, Center for Clinical & Translational Science & Training, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
- University of Cincinnati, Department of Family & Community Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Michelle Jenkerson
- Washington University – St. Louis, Center for Clinical Studies, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Peg Tsao
- Stanford University, Spectrum, School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Stephanie Freel
- Duke University, School of Medicine, Duke Office of Clinical Research, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica Fritter
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Clinical Research Services, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, Master of Clinical Research Program, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Shirley L. Helm
- Virginia Commonwealth University, C. Kenneth and Dianne Wright Center for Clinical and Translational Research, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Penelope Jester
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, Master of Clinical Research Program, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - H Robert Kolb
- University of Florida, Clinical Translational Science Institute - Workforce Directorate, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Angela Mendell
- University of Cincinnati, Center for Clinical & Translational Science & Training, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Megan Petty
- University of Rochester Medical Center, Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Carolynn T. Jones
- The Ohio State University, College of Nursing, Master of Clinical Research Program, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- The Ohio State University, Center for Clinical Translational Research, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Knapke JM, Snyder DC, Carter K, Fitz-Gerald MB, Fritter J, Kolb HR, Marchant M, Mendell A, Petty M, Pullum C, Jones CT. Issues for recruitment and retention of clinical research professionals at academic medical centers: Part 1 - collaborative conversations Un-Meeting findings. J Clin Transl Sci 2022; 6:e80. [PMID: 35949656 PMCID: PMC9305083 DOI: 10.1017/cts.2022.411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Identification of evidence-based factors related to status of the clinical research professional (CRP) workforce at academic medical centers (AMCs) will provide context for National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS) policy considerations and guidance. The objective of this study is to explore barriers and opportunities related to the recruitment and retention of the CRP workforce. Materials and Methods Qualitative data from a series of Un-Meeting breakout sessions and open-text survey questions were analyzed to explore barriers and recommendations for improving AMC CRP recruitment, retention and diversity. Results While certain institutions have established competency-based frameworks for job descriptions, standardization remains generally lacking across CTSAs. AMCs report substantial increases in unfilled CRP positions leading to operational instability. Data confirmed an urgent need for closing gaps in CRP workforce at AMCs, especially for attracting, training, retaining, and diversifying qualified personnel. Improved collaboration with human resource departments, engagement with principal investigators, and overcoming both organizational and resource challenges were suggested strategies, as well as development of outreach to universities, community colleges, and high schools raising awareness of CRP career pathways. Discussion Based on input from 130 CRP leaders at 35 CTSAs, four National Institute of General Medical Sciences' Institutional Development Award (IDeA) program sites, along with industry and government representatives, we identified several barriers to successful recruitment and retention of a highly trained and diverse CRP workforce. Results, including securing institutional support, champions, standardizing and adopting proven national models, improving local institutional policies to facilitate CRP hiring and job progression point to potential solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline M. Knapke
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Denise C. Snyder
- School of Medicine, Office of Clinical Research, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Karen Carter
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Meredith B. Fitz-Gerald
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jessica Fritter
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - H. Robert Kolb
- Clinical Translational Science Institute Workforce Directorate, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mark Marchant
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Angela Mendell
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science and Training, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Megan Petty
- Center for Leading Innovation and Collaboration, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Cherese Pullum
- Research Integration Hub, Seattle Children’s Hospital University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Carolynn T. Jones
- Center for Clinical and Translational Science, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Shihabuddin BS, Weinstock M, Fritter J, Lo C, Stanley R. A Call for Collaboration: Knowledge Dissemination to Improve the Emergency Care of Children. Acad Emerg Med 2020; 27:529-530. [PMID: 32077167 DOI: 10.1111/acem.13944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Bashar S. Shihabuddin
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital/The Ohio State University College of Medicine ColumbusOHUnited States
| | - Michael Weinstock
- Department of Emergency Medicine Wexner Medical Center at The Ohio State University Columbus OH
| | - Jessica Fritter
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital/The Ohio State University College of Nursing Columbus OH United States
| | - Charmaine Lo
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital Columbus OH United States
| | - Rachel Stanley
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital/The Ohio State University College of Medicine ColumbusOHUnited States
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