Effect of a multimodal multidisciplinary training program on pharmacy residents' knowledge and confidence toward research and biostatistics

Abstract

IntroductionThe optimal method to increase pharmacy resident knowledge and confidence toward research remains unknown. ObjectiveThis study evaluated the impact of a structured curriculum on pharmacy residents' knowledge, confidence and attitude toward biostatistics and research. MethodsThis prospective, multicenter study included pharmacy residents from 2016 to 2017. Residents underwent research training with (1) 60-hours of online modules delivered by multidisciplinary senior faculty (MD, PhD), (2) a 2-day interactive workshop delivered by experienced pharmacy researchers and (3) a mentored longitudinal research experience. Fifteen residents were invited to complete a questionnaire at baseline and again before graduation to measure knowledge, confidence and attitudes about research. Residents were followed for one additional year to measure peer-reviewed publications. ResultsEleven (73%) residents provided complete responses to ≥1survey domain. At baseline, 27% of respondents reported being at least somewhat confident about their biostatistics and research skills (a favorable response for ≥5 of the 9 confidence items). At follow-up, 91% self-reported confidence. Self-reported familiarity with statistical terminology (a score of 4 or 5) increased from 19% at baseline to 82% at follow-up. The mean correct score on the knowledge items at baseline was 15 ± 2.5 (total possible 28) and increased to 20 ± 2.7 after training. By one year after graduation, 53% of residents published at least 1 peer-reviewed manuscript and 20 peer-reviewed publications as first or co-author with a median journal impact factor of 3.16 (IQR: 2.61–4.59). ConclusionThis study provides a framework for sustainable, multidisciplinary, multimodal research education that increased confidence and knowledge among pharmacy residents and resulted in tangible contributions to the scientific literature. Future studies should explore long-term knowledge gained and publications.