Medical education practice-based research networks: Facilitating collaborative research

Alan Schwartz, Robin Young, Patricia J. Hicks, Ann Burke, Hilary M. Haftel, R. McGregor, L. Degnon, Carol Carraccio

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Background: Research networks formalize and institutionalize multi-site collaborations by establishing an infrastructure that enables network members to participate in research, propose new studies, and exploit study data to move the field forward. Although practice-based clinical research networks are now widespread, medical education research networks are rapidly emerging.

Aims: In this article, we offer a definition of the medical education practice-based research network, a brief description of networks in existence in July 2014 and their features, and a more detailed case study of the emergence and early growth of one such network, the Association of Pediatric Program Directors Longitudinal Educational Assessment Research Network (APPD LEARN).

Methods: We searched for extant networks through peer-reviewed literature and the world-wide web.

Results: We identified 15 research networks in medical education founded since 2002 with membership ranging from 8 to 120 programs. Most focus on graduate medical education in primary care or emergency medicine specialties.

Conclusions: We offer four recommendations for the further development and spread of medical education research networks: increasing faculty development, obtaining central resources, studying networks themselves, and developing networks of networks.
Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)64-74
JournalMedical Teacher
Volume38
Issue number1
Early online dateOct 2014
DOIs
StatePublished - 2016

Keywords

  • Education, Medical

Disciplines

  • Medical Education
  • Pediatrics

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