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Randomized Controlled Study to Test the Effectiveness of Developmental Network Coaching in the Career Advancement of Diverse Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs): Implementation Challenges and Lessons Learned

Author

Listed:
  • Mohamed Mubasher

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Kimberly Lawson

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Priscilla Pemu

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Thomas Pearson

    (College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida Gainesville, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

  • Jeffrey Engler

    (Council of Graduate Schools, Washington, DC 20036, USA)

  • Adriana Baez

    (Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan 00921, Puerto Rico)

  • Jonathan K. Stiles

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Maritza S. Salazar

    (Paul Merage School of Business, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA)

  • Lee S. Caplan

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Keith Green

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Meldra Hall

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Muhammed Y. Idris

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Ernest Alema-Mensah

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Yulia A. Levites Strekalova

    (College of Public Health and Health Professions, University of Florida Gainesville, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA)

  • Winston E. Thompson

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Alexander Quarshie

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

  • Elizabeth Ofili

    (Clinical Research Center, Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30310, USA)

Abstract

Introduction: Adding developmental networks (DN) to grant-writing coaching can significantly enhance ESIs’ research careers. Herein, we present study design, ESIs’ characteristics and encountered challenges/lessons learned and their resolutions when deploying/implementing (a) NCR algorithm(s), (b) recruitment/retention and (c) implementing DN intervention. Methods: Nested Cluster Randomization (NCR) design governs this study implementation. The sample size is 220 ESIs intending to submit an NIH K, R, U, and/or Minority Supplement application(s). Primary outcome: intensity/sustainability of grant submission(s)/funding(s), measured by time to/between application(s). Outcome(s) analyses modes: summaries, Kaplan Meir and Cox proportional hazard models as a function of randomization groups and other predictors of outcomes. Results: In the present study, we recruited two cohorts of ESIs (N = 85): 39% African Americans, 18% Latinx, 18% Whites, 20% Asians and 6% Hawaiian/Pacific Islander/other ethnicities; 65% are women; 73% are assistant professors, 4% are Associate Professors and 23% are instructors/scientists/post-doctoral. Participants’ disciplines: 32% basic/biomedical, 36% clinical/translational and 32% social/behavioral. Proposal(s) mechanisms: 61% research grants (R series), 31% career development (K series), 7% support of competitive research (SCORE) and 1% National Science Foundation applications. NCR did produce balance in the distribution of ESIs’ demographics, sex at birth, ethnicity, professional appointments, background disciplines, and mechanism of sought funding. Lessons learned/challenges: NCR implementation was methodologically challenged during implementation by added constraints (e.g., assigning coaches to the same randomization arm of their participants as well as blinding them to ESIs’ randomization group). Recruitment and retention were hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic and more progressive and innovative strategies were needed to heighten the visibility and outreach of this program. DN delivery was also affected by the pandemic and monitoring of ESIs’ engagement and facilitation of communications interventions were needed. Resolution of these challenges effectively reconfigured NCR algorithms, recruitment/retention plans, and DN intervention delivery. We intend to recruit an additional 135 ESIs focusing on underrepresented scholars from RCMIs, CTSAs, and other programs. COVID-19 rendered this program 100% virtual, with recruitment/retention challenges and substantial disruption of ESIs’ research. We may extend the grant writing period, coaching, and Mock Study Section support.

Suggested Citation

  • Mohamed Mubasher & Kimberly Lawson & Priscilla Pemu & Thomas Pearson & Jeffrey Engler & Adriana Baez & Jonathan K. Stiles & Maritza S. Salazar & Lee S. Caplan & Keith Green & Meldra Hall & Muhammed Y., 2021. "Randomized Controlled Study to Test the Effectiveness of Developmental Network Coaching in the Career Advancement of Diverse Early-Stage Investigators (ESIs): Implementation Challenges and Lessons Lea," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(22), pages 1-14, November.
  • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:18:y:2021:i:22:p:12003-:d:679882
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lynda B. Ransdell & Taylor S. Lane & Anna L. Schwartz & Heidi A. Wayment & Julie A. Baldwin, 2021. "Mentoring New and Early-Stage Investigators and Underrepresented Minority Faculty for Research Success in Health-Related Fields: An Integrative Literature Review (2010–2020)," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-35, January.
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    Cited by:

    1. Mohamed Mubasher & Thomas Pearson & Muhammed Y. Idris & Kimberly Lawson & Jada Holmes & Priscilla Pemu & Adriana Baez & Jonathan K. Stiles & Maritza S. Salazar & Winston E. Thompson & Alexander Quarsh, 2023. "The Role of Mock Reviewing Sessions in the National Research Mentoring Network Strategic Empowerment Tailored for Health Equity Investigators: A Randomized Controlled Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-12, May.
    2. Adriana Báez & Muhammed Y. Idris & Kimberly Lawson & Mohamed Mubasher & Yulia Strekalova & Keith Green & Priscilla Pemu & Jonathan K. Stiles & Martiza Salazar & Alexander Quarshie & Lee S. Caplan & Er, 2023. "Impact of COVID-19 on the Research Career Advancement of Health Equity Scholars from Diverse Backgrounds," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(6), pages 1-11, March.
    3. Yulia A. Levites Strekalova & Diana L. Kornetti & Ruixuan Wang & Adriana Báez & Lee S. Caplan & Muhammed Y. Idris & Kimberly Lawson & Jada Holmes & Mohamed Mubasher & Priscilla Pemu & Jonathan K. Stil, 2023. "Individual and Institutional Factors Contribute to Research Capacity Building for Early-Stage Investigators from Groups Underrepresented in Biomedical Research: A Qualitative Comparative Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 20(9), pages 1-11, April.

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