Increase Research Capacity Research Articles

Abstract A83: University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Twelve years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders

Abstract The University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) Partnership aims to build capacity to reduce cancer health disparities (CHD) of Pacific Islanders in Guam, Hawaii, and the US-associated Pacific Islands (USAPI) through cancer research, training, and outreach. It has been funded by sequential U56 and U54 grants from the NCI. At the core of the partnership activities are jointly conducted research products of regional relevance and global importance. Over the past period of U54 funding, six research projects were related to betel nut use exploring the associations of betel nut use and health related conditions and behaviors among users in Micronesia; sociocultural factors affecting betel nut chewing in Guam; the influence of betel nut use on the oral microbiome; the identification of alkaloids present in the varieties of betel nut on Guam; identification of salivary biomarkers in betel nut consumption; and the functional assessment of molecular components of betel nut involved in pro-inflammatory mechanisms of immune cells. Other research projects are addressing CHD-related research questions around cancer risk and risk perception: health information trends and needs in the Pacific among adults and youth; feasibility of electrical breast densitometry in assessing breast cancer risk; and breast cancer risk factors for Pacific Islander women. Collectively, over 60 manuscripts have been published, over 75 abstracts have been presented at national and international conferences, and at least 8 new grants have been awarded to members of the partnership. Since the Fall Semester 2009, 16 MS degree students at UOG have received fellowship support from the U54 grant, and two UOG graduates are enrolled in doctoral programs at US mainland institutions. Two students received an MS degree and two students received a PhD degree at UHCC with U54 fellowship support. One PhD graduate is now a faculty member at UOG and engaged in the partnership. Over the past six years, UOG developed a cancer health disparities curriculum tailored for the Pacific region, now a permanently sustained track in UOG's Micronesian Studies Program. In addition, mentorship and career development is provided to early stage investigators (ESI) at UOG: UHCC investigators have mentored 10 UOG ESI since 2009. Four UOG faculty received summer fellowships at UHCC; two subsequently secured pilot funding. Outreach projects are exploring community-based participatory approaches to youth tobacco use prevention and cessation in Guam, and the effectiveness of a social network-based approach to reducing tobacco-related cancer risk. Outreach activities have also contributed to the introduction and passage of significant public health legislation in Guam, resulting in decreased tobacco use and increased tobacco taxes, a percentage of which supports patient services in Guam as well as the Guam Cancer Registry. In conclusion, the unique multi-ethnic, sociocultural, and geographic characteristics of the UOG/UHCC partnership provide for many unique and important cancer research, training, and outreach opportunities with regional and global relevance. The Partnership has significantly increased research capacity at UOG and cultivated interest in cancer research among minority students attending the partner institutions. Outreach has resulted in model tobacco control policy in Guam. A regional research infrastructure has been established and resources have been leveraged to address Pacific Islander cancer health disparities in Guam, Hawaii, and the USAPI. Supported by NCI awards U54CA143727 and U54 CA143728. Citation Format: Hali R. Robinett, Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, Robert A. Underwood, Neal A. Palafox, David C. Ward, Carl-Wilhelm Vogel. University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: Twelve years of progress in addressing cancer health disparities in Pacific Islanders. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Eighth AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 13-16, 2015; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2016;25(3 Suppl):Abstract nr A83.

Partnership Among Peers: Lessons Learned From the Development of a Community Organization–Academic Research Training Program

Community engagement and rigorous science are necessary to address health issues. Increasingly, community health organizations are asked to partner in research. To strengthen such community organization-academic partnerships, increase research capacity in community organizations, and facilitate equitable partnered research, the Partners in Education Evaluation and Research (PEER) program was developed. The program implements an 18-month structured research curriculum for one mid-level employee of a health-focused community-based organization with an organizational mentor and a Case Western Reserve University faculty member as partners. The PEER program was developed and guided by a community-academic advisory committee and was designed to impact the research capacity of organizations through didactic modules and partnered research in the experiential phase. Active participation of community organizations and faculty during all phases of the program provided for bidirectional learning and understanding of the challenges of community-engaged health research. The pilot program evaluation used qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, including experiences of the participants assessed through surveys, formal group and individual interviews, phone calls, and discussions. Statistical analysis of the change in fellows' pre-test and post-test survey scores were conducted using paired sample t tests. The small sample size is recognized by the authors as a limitation of the evaluation methods and would potentially be resolved by including more cohort data as the program progresses. Qualitative data were reviewed by two program staff using content and narrative analysis to identify themes, describe and assess group phenomena and determine program improvements. The objective of PEER is to create equitable partnerships between community organizations and academic partners to further research capacity in said organizations and develop mutually beneficial research partnerships between academia and community organizations. PEER demonstrates a commitment to successfully developing sustainable research capacity growth in community organizations, and improved partnered research with academic institutions.

Increasing research capacity and activity in clinical and health psychology

Improvements to the doctoral training pathway have already made a notable difference, and more such work is planned. We would like to collaborate further with applied psychologists across Scotland to continue this fruitful approach.

Partnership with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes: Establishing an Advisory Committee for Pharmacogenetic Research.

Inclusion of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in pharmacogenetic research is key if the benefits of pharmacogenetic testing are to reach these communities. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) offers a model to engage these communities in pharmacogenetics. An academic-community partnership between the University of Montana (UM) and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) was established to engage the community as partners and advisors in pharmacogenetic research. A community advisory committee, the Community Pharmacogenetics Advisory Council (CPAC), was established to ensure community involvement in the research process. To promote bidirectional learning, researchers gave workshops and presentations about pharmacogenetic research to increase research capacity and CPAC members trained researchers in cultural competencies. As part of our commitment to a sustainable relationship, we conducted a self-assessment of the partnership, which included surveys and interviews with CPAC members and researchers. Academic and community participants agree that the partnership has promoted a bidirectional exchange of knowledge. Interviews showed positive feedback from the perspectives of both the CPAC and researchers. CPAC members discussed their trust in and support of the partnership, as well as having learned more about research processes and pharmacogenetics. Researchers discussed their appreciation of CPAC involvement in the project and guidance the group provided in understanding the CSKT community and culture. We have created an academic-community partnership to ensure CSKT community input and to share decision making about pharmacogenetic research. Our CBPR approach may be a model for engaging AI/AN people, and other underserved populations, in genetic research.

Partnership with the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes: Establishing an Advisory Committee for Pharmacogenetic Research.

Background : Inclusion of American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations in pharmacogenetic research is key if the benefits of pharmacogenetic testing are to reach these communities. Community-based participatory research (CBPR) offers a model to engage these communities in pharmacogenetics. Objectives : An academic–community partnership between the University of Montana (UM) and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes (CSKT) was established to engage the community as partners and advisors in pharmacogenetic research. Methods : A community advisory committee, the Community Pharmacogenetics Advisory Council (CPAC), was established to ensure community involvement in the research process. To promote bidirectional learning, researchers gave workshops and presentations about pharmacogenetic research to increase research capacity and CPAC members trained researchers in cultural competencies. As part of our commitment to a sustainable relationship, we conducted a self-assessment of the partnership, which included surveys and interviews with CPAC members and researchers. Results : Academic and community participants agree that the partnership has promoted a bidirectional exchange of knowledge. Interviews showed positive feedback from the perspectives of both the CPAC and researchers. CPAC members discussed their trust in and support of the partnership, as well as having learned more about research processes and pharmacogenetics. Researchers discussed their appreciation of CPAC involvement in the project and guidance the group provided in understanding the CSKT community and culture. Discussion : We have created an academic–community partnership to ensure CSKT community input and to share decision making about pharmacogenetic research. Our CBPR approach may be a model for engaging AI/AN people, and other underserved populations, in genetic research.

Increasing Research Capacity in Ontario Child Welfare Organizations: A Unique University–Child Welfare Agency Partnership

The objective of this article is to describe the successes and challenges of a unique knowledge mobilization initiative that was funded through the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada. This initiative focused on promoting knowledge mobilization by increasing the capacity of child welfare organizations in Ontario to conduct and use research. Building on existing knowledge mobilization models in Ontario, this initiative brought university-based researchers together with child welfare practitioners to use existing data sets from the Ontario Incidence Studies of Reported Child Abuse and Neglect. Overall, this knowledge mobilization initiative resulted in several positive outcomes. Along with the successes, the research team faced several challenges in implementing this initiative, which are described in detail.

Abstract A08: University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: An 11-year partnership to advance cancer health equity in Pacific Islanders

Abstract The University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) Partnership aims to build capacity to reduce cancer health disparities (CHD) in Guam, Hawaii, and the US-associated Pacific Islands (USAPI) through cancer research, training, and outreach. Since 2003, the UOG/UHCC Partnership has provided scholarships and training in CHD research to a growing number of graduate students at UOG and UHCC with a special focus on Pacific Islanders who are underrepresented in the fields of cancer research and healthcare. UHCC investigators provide mentorship to early stage investigators (ESI) at UOG through annual meetings and workshops, monthly video teleconferences, electronic communications, and summer fellowships at UHCC. A system has been established to review, award, and evaluate new and ongoing pre-pilot, pilot, and full research projects. Outreach activities draw upon the principles of community-based participatory research to increase tobacco cessation, reduce cancer risk, and strengthen tobacco control policy. Since Fall Semester 2009, 16 master's degree students at UOG have received fellowship support, and two UOG graduates are enrolled in doctoral programs at US mainland institutions. Two PhD students at UHCC are currently receiving fellowship support, and three master's degree students have graduated from UH. One scholar is now in a tenure track faculty position at UOG and engaged in the Partnership. Over the past five years, UOG developed a cancer health disparities curriculum tailored for the Pacific region, now a permanently sustained track in UOG's Micronesian Studies Program. In addition, mentorship and career development is provided to ESI at UOG: UHCC investigators have mentored 10 UOG ESI since 2009. Four UOG faculty received summer fellowships at UHCC; two subsequently secured pilot funding. Research of regional relevance and global importance is jointly conducted by investigators at UOG and UHCC, including six betel nut related pilot projects that are exploring the associations of betel nut use and health related conditions and behaviors among users in Micronesia; sociocultural factors affecting betel nut chewing in Guam; the influence of betel nut use on the oral microbiome; the identification of alkaloids present in the varieties of betel nut on Guam; identification of salivary biomarkers in betel nut consumption; and the functional assessment of molecular components of betel nut involved in pro-inflammatory mechanisms of immune cells. Other research projects are addressing CHD-related research questions around cancer risk and risk perception: health information trends and needs in the Pacific among adults and youth; feasibility of electrical breast densitometry in assessing breast cancer risk; and breast cancer risk factors for Pacific Islander women. Outreach projects are exploring community-based participatory approaches to youth tobacco use prevention and cessation in Guam, and the effectiveness of a social network-based approach to reducing tobacco-related cancer risk. Outreach activities have also contributed to the introduction and passage of significant public health legislation in Guam, resulting in decreased tobacco use and increased tobacco taxes, a percentage of which supports patient services in Guam as well as the Guam Cancer Registry. Almost 50 papers have been published, and at least 7 grants have been awarded to members of the partnership as a result of the work of the partnership. In conclusion, the unique multi-ethnic, sociocultural, and geographic characteristics of the UOG/UHCC partnership provide for many unique and important cancer research, training, and outreach opportunities with regional and global relevance. The Partnership has significantly increased research capacity at UOG and cultivated interest in cancer research among minority students attending the partner institutions. Outreach has resulted in model tobacco control policy in Guam. A regional research infrastructure has been established and resources have been leveraged to address Pacific Islander cancer health disparities in Guam, Hawaii, and the USAPI. Supported by NCI awards U54CA143727 and U54 CA143728. Citation Format: Hali R. Robinett, Rachael T. Leon Guerrero, Robert A. Underwood, Neal A. Palafox, David C. Ward, Carl-Wilhelm Vogel. University of Guam/University of Hawaii Cancer Center Partnership: An 11-year partnership to advance cancer health equity in Pacific Islanders. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Seventh AACR Conference on The Science of Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; Nov 9-12, 2014; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2015;24(10 Suppl):Abstract nr A08.

Results of the Community Health Applied Research Network (CHARN) National Research Capacity Survey of Community Health Centers

The mission of the Community Health Applied Research Network (CHARN) is to build capacity to carry out Patient-Centered Outcomes Research at community health centers (CHCs), with the ultimate goal to improve health care for vulnerable populations. The CHARN Needs Assessment Staff Survey investigates CHCs' involvement in research, as well as their need for research training and resources. Results will be used to guide future training. The survey was developed and implemented in partnership with CHARN CHCs. Data were collected across CHARN CHCs. Data analysis and reports were conducted by the CHARN data coordinating center (DCC). Survey results highlighted gaps in staff research training, and these gaps varied by staff role. There is considerable variation in research involvement, partnerships, and focus both within and across CHCs. Development of training programs to increase research capacity should be tailored to address the specific needs and roles of staff involved in research.

Changing practice in dementia care in the community: developing and testing evidence-based interventions, from timely diagnosis to end of life (EVIDEM)

BackgroundThe needs of people with dementia and their carers are inadequately addressed at all key points in the illness trajectory, from diagnosis through to end-of-life care. The EVIDEM (Evidence-based Interventions in Dementia) research and development programme (2007–12) was designed to help change this situation within real-life settings.ObjectivesThe EVIDEM projects were (1) evaluation of an educational package designed to enhance general practitioners’ (GPs’) diagnostic and management skills; (2) evaluation of exercise as therapy for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD); (3) development of a toolkit for managing incontinence in people with dementia living at home; (4) development of a toolkit for palliative care for people with dementia; and (5) development of practice guidance on the use of the Mental Capacity Act (MCA) 2005.DesignMixed quantitative and qualitative methods from case studies to large database analyses, including longitudinal surveys, randomised controlled trials and research register development, with patient and public involvement built into all projects.SettingGeneral practices, community services, third-sector organisations and care homes in the area of the North Thames Dementia and Neurodegenerative Diseases Research Network local research network.ParticipantsPeople with dementia, their family and professional carers, GPs and community mental health team members, staff in local authority social services and third-sector bodies, and care home staff.Main outcome measuresDementia management reviews and case identification in general practice; changes in behavioural and psychological symptoms measured with the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI); extent and impact of incontinence in community-dwelling people with dementia; mapping of pathways to death of people with dementia in care homes, and testing of a model of collaborative working between primary care and care homes; and understandings of the MCA 2005 among practitioners working with people with dementia.ResultsAn educational intervention in general practice did not alter management or case identification. Exercise as a therapy for BPSD did not reduce NPI scores significantly, but had a significant positive effect on carer burden. Incontinence is twice as common in community-dwelling people with dementia than their peers, and is a hidden taboo within a stigma. Distinct trajectories of dying were identified (anticipated, unexpected and uncertain), and collaboration between NHS primary care and care homes was improved, with cost savings. The MCA 2005 legislation provided a useful working framework for practitioners working with people with dementia.ConclusionsA tailored educational intervention for general practice does not change practice, even when incentives, policy pressure and consumer demand create a favourable environment for change; exercise has potential as a therapy for BPSD and deserves further investigation; incontinence is a common but unrecognised problem for people with dementia in the community; changes in relationships between care homes and general practice can be achieved, with benefits for people with dementia at the end of life and for the UK NHS; application of the MCA 2005 will continue to improve but educational reinforcements will help this. Increased research capacity in dementia in the community was achieved. This study suggests that further work is required to enhance clinical practice around dementia in general practice; investigate the apparent beneficial effect of physical activity on BPSD and carer well-being; develop case-finding methods for incontinence in people with dementia; optimise working relationships between NHS staff and care homes; and reinforce practitioner understanding of the MCA 2005.Trial registrationEVIDEM: ED-NCT00866099; EVIDEM: E-ISRCTN01423159.FundingThis project was funded by the Programme Grants for Applied Research programme of the National Institute for Health Research.

Educational and Wider Interventions that Increase Research Activity and Capacity of Clinicians in Low to Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis

Research capacity building of clinicians in low to middle income countries may be the most powerful intervention to strengthen health systems, improve clinical standards and address inequities in healthcare. Research training in the form of workshops, postgraduate courses and collaborations are interventions that have been used to increase research activity and capacity. The aim of this literature review is to identify educational and other interventions that worked for clinicians, their characteristics and how they may have worked. Methods: Systematic search of electronic databases was performed for relevant articles from January 2000 to October 2013. Due to the small number of papers, the complex interventions and diverse methods used, a narrative synthesis along themes was used to distil the evidence. The data was collated, reviewed and themed to form four middle-level theories. A theory-driven search of the literature was then performed to identify articles to test the theories. A theoretical framework was then developed to conceptualise how the theories relate in a research capacity building programme. Results: Of 2833 identified articles, only 20 met the inclusion criteria. Most of the articles had multiple interventions, were descriptive accounts and were of variable quality. The interventions were complex and mostly poorly-described although they could be grouped into four broad classes in training workshops, postgraduate training, support and mentoring by collaboration and enhancements in the research environment. Postgraduate research training courses should be for clinicians who have funded and protected time away from clinical work. Clinical research teams can only thrive in a research-enhanced environment and supportive collaborations. Conclusion: Despite limited evidence from low to middle income countries, this review has identified that clinician-led research can be increased by focused development of a team of selected individuals and skills through postgraduate training, supported by collaborative networks and an enhanced research environment.

Opportunities and Challenges for Innovations in Qatar

Opportunities and Challenges for Innovations in <scp>Q</scp>atar

Evolution, ecology and tree health: finding ways to prepare Britain's forests for future threats

Evolution, ecology and tree health: finding ways to prepare Britain's forests for future threats

Building Research Capacity of Medical Students and Health Professionals in Rural Communities: Leveraging a Rural Clinical School's Resources to Conduct Research Skills Workshops

The paper reports on a project where the objective was for the Rural Clinical School, The University of Queensland, Australia, to design an acceptable model of research skills workshops for medical students and rural health professionals. Eight, interactive research skills workshops focused on skill development were conducted in rural Queensland, and attended by 62 undergraduate medical students and rural health professionals. The workshop learning objectives were to: provide an understanding of research methods and practise some basic research skills; and develop a greater understanding of the research process. Of the 53 participants who provided evaluations, more than two-thirds agreed that the learning objectives were met, and although health professionals evaluated the workshops most highly, two-thirds of the medical students also agreed. Consistent with the positive quantitative evaluations, participants reported valuing the knowledge acquired in the workshops, combined with the teaching methods. The study demonstrated that an interactive, skills-based workshop was an acceptable model for the medical students and rural health professionals who participated, and that better health outcomes for rural Australians could ultimately result from leveraging a Rural Clinical School's resources to increase research capacity through this approach.

An Adaptive Approach to Facilitating Research Productivity in a Primary Care Clinical Department

Efforts to foster the growth of a department's or school's research mission can be informed by known correlates of research productivity, but the specific strategies to be adopted will be highly context-dependent, influenced by local, national, and discipline-specific needs and resources. The authors describe a multifaceted approach-informed by a working model of organizational research productivity-by which the University of Minnesota Department of Family Medicine and Community Health (Twin Cities campus) successfully increased its collective research productivity during a 10-year period (1997-2007) and maintained these increases over time.Facing barriers to recruitment of faculty investigators, the department focused instead on nurturing high-potential investigators among their current faculty via a new, centrally coordinated research program, with provision of training, protected time, technical resources, mentoring, and a scholarly culture to support faculty research productivity. Success of these initiatives is documented by the following: substantial increases in the department's external research funding, rise to a sustained top-five ranking based on National Institutes of Health funding to U.S. family medicine departments, later-stage growth in the faculty's publishing record, increased research capacity among the faculty, and a definitive maturation of the department's research mission. The authors offer their perspectives on three apparent drivers of success with broad applicability-namely, effective leadership, systemic culture change, and the self-awareness to adapt to changes in the local, institutional, and national research environment.

Impact of a Regional Distributed Medical Education Program on an Underserved Community

To describe community leaders' perceptions regarding the impact of a fully distributed undergraduate medical education program on a small, medically underserved host community. The authors conducted semistructured interviews in 2007 with 23 community leaders representing, collectively, the education, health, economic, media, and political sectors. They reinterviewed six participants from a pilot study (2005) and recruited new participants using purposeful and snowball sampling. The authors employed analytic induction to organize content thematically, using the sectors as a framework, and they used open coding to identify new themes. The authors reanalyzed transcripts to identify program outcomes (e.g., increased research capacity) and construct a list of quantifiable indicators (e.g., number of grants and publications). Participants reported their perspectives on the current and anticipated impact of the program on education, health services, the economy, media, and politics. Perceptions of impact were overwhelmingly positive (e.g., increased physician recruitment), though some were negative (e.g., strains on health resources). The authors identified new outcomes and confirmed outcomes described in 2005. They identified 16 quantifiable indicators of impact, which they judged to be plausible and measureable. Participants perceive that the regional undergraduate medical education program in their community has broad, local impacts. Findings suggest that early observed outcomes have been maintained and may be expanding. Results may be applicable to medical education programs with distributed or regional sites in similar rural, remote, and/or underserved regions. The areas of impact, outcomes, and quantifiable indicators identified will be of interest to future researchers and evaluators.

The European Men-Who-Have-Sex-With-Men Internet Survey (EMIS): Design and Methods

Community-based opportunistic self-completion surveying for sexual health programming is common among men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM) in Europe, being used to generate evidence of unmet prevention need, for behavioural surveillance and as a platform for advocating HIV precautions. However, comparing survey findings across Europe is difficult because of varying measures and recruitment designs, and surveying has not occurred in all countries. EMIS (the European Men-who-have-sex-with-men Internet Survey) aimed to develop a pan-European Internet survey on HIV-related male homosexual behaviours and prevention needs both to increase research capacity and to move towards harmonisation of existing systems. Six associated partners (APs) recruited another 77 collaborating partners from academia, public health and civil society across 35 countries. Partners’ existing MSM surveys were collected and collated, producing a meta-survey which was discussed by all partners through rotating round-tables at a 2-day summit. Survey development continued iteratively through user piloting and partner feedback until the English language content was agreed. Transfer to an online survey application was followed by further testing before on-screen translation into 24 other languages, final testing and sign-off. The project’s visual identity and promotional materials were developed in close collaboration with national leads, tailoring products to match country specific needs while maintaining an overall project identity. Five international MSM dating websites were contracted to send carefully crafted instant messages to members in a series of waves. The survey sought common ground with stakeholders and respondents by endorsing ‘the best sex with the least harm’ for MSM. Real-time monitoring of responses allowed targeted spending of the advertising budget to maximise coverage and depth of responses. Fieldwork occurred during June–August 2010. Over 184,469 responses were submitted of which 94.4 % were eligible. Partners in 38 countries were supplied with a national database of 100 or more respondents for national analysis and outputs, while the AP team proceeded on international comparisons among 174,209 respondents in 38 countries. EMIS demonstrated the feasibility of multi-country community-based MSM Internet surveying with limited public funding. The concept of ‘the best sex with the least harm’ provided a common ground for a diverse range of stakeholders to collaborate. Meaningful involvement of a large number of collaborators in the survey design, its visual identity and in promotional strategies ensured unprecedented coverage and depth of recruitment. Flexible planning was essential and a patchwork of recruitment was required across a range of commercial and community partners. Careful design, piloting and presentation ensured the survey was acceptable and had both authority and perceived community benefit.

Increasing research capacity in the chiropractic profession: A case study and evaluation of an innovative research program in Norway

The subject of research methods is not commonly covered in continuing professional development (CPD) courses in spite of its emphasis in undergraduate education. This initiative aimed to develop postgraduate research competency and recruit chiropractors to musculoskeletal research. The program was delivered as a university-based program with 20 credits over seven contact weekends covering topics of evidence-based practice, research methods, statistics, ethics, resources, and funding. Students were assessed through assignments showing competency in critical literature review, case report writing, and production of a research protocol as the final assessment. Non-student participation for CPD points was possible. A student evaluation survey was completed after the end of the academic year. There were 26 participants: 16 as students handing in assignments, 10 as non-student participants for up to 94 CPD points. Three submitted a final protocol and two registered at a university PhD program. A network of research clinics was established for data collection for future multicenter studies. The program was well received by the participants and gave them the tools and resources to perform research. The two-level attendance system afforded a basis for setting up a network of research clinics with a fundamental understanding of optimal data collection. This initiative has shown that research skills can be revisited through CPD programs as part of evidence-based lifelong learning.

Educating the Public Health Workforce

Educating the Public Health Workforce

Increasing research capacity and capability – How can national infrastructure help?

Increasing research capacity and capability – How can national infrastructure help?

Abstract B24: Stimulating the development of research and training in cancer health disparities through the University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) partnership.

Abstract a) Americans of Pacific Islander ancestry are highly underrepresented among cancer researchers and cancer health care professionals. Research designed and conducted by, for and with Pacific Islanders is critical to reducing cancer health disparities (CHD) and effectively delivering cancer health advances in Hawaii, Guam, and the neighboring US-associated Pacific Islands (USAPI). b) Graduate students are provided education and training in cancer health disparities research at both partner institutions. A CHD curriculum at UOG addresses cancer health outcomes and challenges unique to the Pacific region. Summer fellowships and annual workshops provide opportunities for faculty mentorship and development. The partnership's scientific and administrative leadership provides mentorship and consultation in the development of research projects with regional importance. c) Many Master's students at UOG have benefitted from the partnership, including several UOG graduates now enrolled in PhD programs at mainland universities. Three PhD students at UHCC are currently receiving mentorship and graduate student assistantships. All student scholars are involved in cancer research at both partner institutions. A cancer health disparities track established by the UOG's Micronesian Studies Program is now sustained by UOG. Approximately 20 peer-reviewed publications have resulted from the partnership since its inception, and a growing body of faculty at UOG and UHCC is participating in the partnership. Eight jointly-conducted projects are addressing research questions identifying: the associations of betel nut use and health related conditions and behaviors among users in Micronesia; sociocultural factors affecting betel nut chewing in Guam; the influence of betel nut use on the oral microbiome; the presence of alkaloids in the varieties of betel nut on Guam; the functional assessment of molecular components of betel nut involved in pro-inflammatory mechanisms of immune cells; community-based participatory approaches to youth tobacco use prevention/cessation in Guam; health information trends and needs in the Pacific; and breast cancer risk factors unique to Pacific Islander women. d) Over the past decade, this partnership has increased research capacity at UOG and among minority students attending the partner institutions, and increased research involvement, expertise, and resources at UHCC and UOG to address research priorities and cancer health disparities in Guam, Hawaii, and the USAPI. Supported by NIH U54 CA143727 and U54 CA143728. Citation Format: Hali R. Robinett, Helen JD Whippy, Carl-Wilhelm Vogel. Stimulating the development of research and training in cancer health disparities through the University of Guam (UOG)/University of Hawaii Cancer Center (UHCC) partnership. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fifth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2012 Oct 27-30; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2012;21(10 Suppl):Abstract nr B24.