Research Methodology Workshop Research Articles

Evaluating a research methodology workshop among postgraduate students using Kirkpatrick's model.

In this era of evidence-based medicine, only systematic research can help in providing judicious and precise healthcare to individual patients based on updated knowledge and skills. However, many medical professionals do not feel competent and confident enough to conduct research. One of the reasons could be the lack of a research-based curriculum in undergraduate courses. The National Medical Council has also stressed the need for formal training in research methodology for healthcare professionals. The research methodology workshops help to familiarize the participants with basic, clinical, and translational research required to impart optimum patient care. The objective of our study was to evaluate a research methodology workshop conducted for postgraduate students by assessing the participant's knowledge, feedback, and expected impact using Kirkpatrick's evaluation model. A quasi-experimental, single-group study was conducted among 132 first-year postgraduate students. The four levels of Kirkpatrick's model were applied for evaluation. Feedback forms, scores of the pretest and posttest, quality of the research proposal drafted by the postgraduates for their thesis, and finally successful submission of the research proposal were the components used to evaluate the four levels of outcome of Kirkpatrick's model. Data collected were compiled and tabulated into MS Excel. Proportions were calculated for categorical variables and mean and standard deviation (SD) for scores. A comparison of means between pre- and postworkshop scores was made with paired t-test. A value of P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics version 20.0 software. Out of 132 participants, 29% (38) were males and 71% (94) were females. The mean ± SD pretest and posttest scores at a 95% confidence interval were 10.55 ± 2.537 and 12.43 ± 2.484, respectively. The difference was found to be statistically significant by paired sample t-test (P < 0.001). Participant feedback is vital for improving research methodology workshops. The workshop met the overall requirements of the participants. There was a significant improvement in the knowledge of participants after the workshop completion.

Research in Undergraduate Medical Education: Effectiveness of Conducting Research Methodology Workshops

Research in Undergraduate Medical Education: Effectiveness of Conducting Research Methodology Workshops

Medical Resident Awareness of Predatory Journal Practices in an International Medical Education System

ABSTRACT Introduction Learning research methodology is increasingly becoming an essential part of graduate medical education worldwide, with many regulatory and accreditation bodies requiring residents to participate in scholarship. Research methodology workshops have become a standard part of medical curricula; however, there is limited data on how much training on journal selection and the publication process trainees receive. The alarming growth of predatory journals has made it increasingly difficult for researchers, especially trainees and early career physicians, to distinguish these publications from reputable journals. The purpose of this study is to assess the knowledge of reputable and predatory publishing practices amongst medical trainees in an international medical education setting in the United Arab Emirates. Methods A survey on credible journal practices based on the ‘Think. Check. Submit’ initiative was sent to all graduate medical education trainees at two large academic medical centers in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Descriptive statistics were used to tabulate variable frequencies. Results Over half of the 160 respondents reported receiving prior research methodology training and 42.5% had at least one publication. The majority of the trainees selected impact factor and the quality of the peer-review process as characteristics of reputable journals. Ambiguous editorial board and rapid publication process were recognized as characteristics of predatory journals by >65% of trainees, however, 95% of all trainees were unaware of Beall’s list or other resources to help select a journal for publication. 15.2% of trainees who received unsolicited emails from publishers submitted their manuscripts to the unfamiliar journals, citing peer recommendation and pressure to publish from their training programs as reasons. Conclusion Trainees in the United Arab Emirates were mostly unaware of reputable publication practices and are vulnerable to publishing in predatory journals. Policy and educational reform are necessary to maintain the credibility and integrity of the scientific process.

Knowledge and Attitudes amongst Medical Students on Health Research and Scientific Publications

Introduction: Most of the medical colleges, in general, have been suffering from lack of health researchand scientific publications among the students in particulars and faculties in general. Health research andscientific publications are important medical students’ activity for healthy and prosperous medical education.Objective: This study assesses the level of knowledge and attitudes regarding health research and scientificpublications among medical students. Methodology: It is a cross-sectional descriptive study conductedamong 100 medical students and were randomly picked up at Assam Medical College and Hospital in theyear 2019. A prefix pretested proforma was used to determine the knowledge and attitudes of the students.Informed consent was taken. The data thus obtained was analyzed using MS Excel. Results: A total of25(25%) students feel confident in interpreting and writing a research paper, while 39(39%) says they cando it with seniors’ support.In comparison, 20(20%) says no it saying their incapabilities of doing it. Majority 70(70%) students saythat they have not participated in a research project (apart from mandatory academic projects) and 90(90%)says that they were never written any scientific paper. A good number of 80(80%) students feel that lack ofa mentor is the cause of no publication while 60(60%) students believe that undergraduate students can planand conduct a research project and write a scientific paper. Lack of facilities for doing research is acceptedby 50(50%) of students to be another cause of no research and publication while 40(40%) receive lack offunding to be the root cause of no study. Conclusion: With the limited resources of this study, our findingshave highlighted a low to moderate level of knowledge of undergraduate medical students in researchmethodology principles and the critical impact of research methodology workshops. These findings can beutilized for future health research planning to improve the situation in India’s field of medical education.

Feedback of postgraduate students about workshop on making an effective research paper

Background: Researchers on medical educational technologies use learner's feedbacks containing strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats to develop content and form of training programs in students' learning as a universally approved concept. Objectives: The objectives were to sensitize the first-year postgraduate residents about the publication of research and collect their immediate reflection. Materials and Methods: Feedback was taken from all the 49 participants at the end of the 2-day in-house workshop on “Making an effective research paper.” The data collection tool was unlinked anonymous containing six open-ended questions for immediate postsession evaluation on their futuristic vision on implementation and was analyzed by the researchers. Results: In response to “Comments regarding the research methodology workshop,” more than half agreed on positive aspects of the workshop on improved cognition with relevant information. Overall, favored “best” sessions were “Reference writing,” “Plagiarism check,” and “Search relevant article and write the Literature review.” Regarding the avenue of improvement of the workshop, they stressed on timing of workshop before the synopsis submission of their academic year, pre distribution of reading material, and shorter lengths of sessions. Conclusions: The feedback permitted the participants to echo their candid feelings to meet their learning objective as they rated the workshop constructively for each prompt with gain in broad-based cognitive domain with hopeful attitude for intended practice in their academic growth.

Evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and practice of undergraduate medical students toward medical research in a tertiary care teaching hospital

Background: Undergraduate level research orientation and student participation in research activities are a step toward enhancing their knowledge, communication, and problem solving skills. There is a dire need to sensitize the undergraduate medical students toward medical research so that they are able to take better clinical decisions to tackle new threats to the global health in future. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of undergraduate second professional medical students toward medical research. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study in medical undergraduates was conducted among 2nd professional MBBS students by conducting research methodology workshops for 2 consecutive years. Pre-workshop and post-workshop questionnaire was filled by students and assessment and comparative evaluation of knowledge, attitude, and practice of MBBS students toward medical research was undertaken. Results: About 86.8% students became aware of government or private organization involved in promoting medical research post-workshop as compared to 7.6% pre-workshop (P < 0.001). About 96.7% students became interested in conducting/being a part of research project post-workshop as compared to 79.1% pre-workshop (P = 0.01). About 91.2% students felt that research training should be a part of medical curriculum post-workshop as compared to 78% pre workshop (P < 0.05). About 56% students want to pursue career in research post workshop as compared to 31.8% preworkshop (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Undergraduate MBBS students are aware that knowledge and positive attitude toward research is crucial for enhancement of medical education. Research orientation and training programs must be put into practice by the institutes to improve student participation in research.

Rapid Adaptation of Cancer Education in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluation of a Live Virtual Statistics and Research Skills Workshop for Oncology Trainees

Due to COVID-19, an annual interactive statistics and research methodology workshop for radiation oncology trainees was adapted at short notice into a live virtual format. This study aimed to evaluate trainee opinions around the educational value of the workshop, logistical aspects and impact on interactivity. A post-course on-line survey was completed by 26/42 trainee attendees (response rate 62%). For five pre-specified learning outcomes (LO), 58 to 69% of trainees agreed that the LO was completely or largely met (Likert scores 6 and 7 on a scale 1 = not met at all; 7 = completely met). All trainees felt that logistical aspects of the workshop including organisation, accessibility to the platform and sound/image quality were good or excellent. With regard to opportunities for interaction and suitability for small-group ‘break-out’ sessions, the majority felt that interaction could be adequately maintained whilst just under a quarter felt the delivery method was not fit for the purpose. Networking/social engagement with peers and teachers was the factor most impaired using the live virtual delivery format. Over three-quarters of trainees replied they would favour the current event or other educational sessions being offered (at least as an option) in a virtual format in the future. Cost and convenience were given as the major non-COVID-19–related benefits of virtual on-line learning. These preliminary findings provide valuable feedback to help adapt or develop further on-line educational and training initiatives that will be necessary in the COVID-19 pandemic period and beyond.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s13187-020-01898-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

National Cancer Grid: a model for collaboration in cancer care and research

Abstract The National Cancer Grid (NCG) is a network of major cancer centres, research institutes, patient groups and charitable institutions across India with the mandate of establishing uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, providing specialized training and education in oncology and facilitating collaborative basic, translational and clinical research in cancer. The strength of NCG is in the number of cancer cases being treated at the partner centre, constituting 70% of all cancer cases in India. To fulfil the objective of uniform cancer care, a multipronged approach is being followed. NCG has developed guidelines for the management of common cancers in India. These guidelines are in an easy to follow the algorithmic format and based on the available evidence in the literature. To further enhance the cancer care, several steps have been taken to build a pool of trained health care professionals, quality assurance program in pathology, availability of virtual tumour board, second opinion services and institutional peer review to name a few. NCG is evaluating the feasibility of patient health record integration to provide ownership of the data to the patient and facilitate seamless care across the centres. This will become a rich resource to conduct real-world data-based research in near-future. An important focus of NCG has been multi-centric collaborative cancer research addressing questions which are unique to our country and aim to develop cost-effective therapeutics. NCG not only provides the funding for the multi-centric research but also trains the oncologists and the allied specialists in research methodologies through annual research methodology workshop. Given the similarities of challenges in other Low middle-income countries in the field of cancer care, NCG model can be expanded to other countries too. The Centre for Global health is being planned to fulfil these needs.

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3rd International Conference on Geoscience, Energy and Materials

I-GEM conference prefaceThe Geoscience, Energy, and Materials are the main themes considering by I-GEM conference. The conference has been organized from 2017 in Malaysia and will be continuing all around the world in the coming years. The faculties from more than 20 universities from all over the world have been supporting the I-GEM conference. 2018 and 2019 the conference has been held in Malaysia and China respectively. Huaiyin Institute of Technology, China is sponsoring I-GEM conference from 2018. 2020, the conference will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Conference Chairman is Professor. Dr. Ideris Zakaria from Infrastructure University Kuala Lumpur (IUKL), Malaysia and the Conference Vice Chairman is Associate Professor. Dr. Abdoullah Namdar from Huaiyin Institute of Technology, China. This multidisciplinary conference has strong international networking over the 20 countries and the main objective is to extend high-quality research products. To support research students, it is planning to hold a research methodology workshop by coming years starting from 2020, during the conference.

Health research methodology workshop: Evaluation with the Kirkpatrick model.

Workshops on research methodology impart skills of research among medical students. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluation of an academic programme is essential to enhance the effectiveness and quality improvement. We assessed the gain in learning and effect of a workshop on research methodology among medical students. We did a quasi-experimental, single-group study at a tertiary care hospital and research institute in southern India. It included 33 students enrolled in various residency positions of the institute. The Kirkpatrick 4-level model was used to assess the effectiveness of the workshop on research methodology. Paired t-test was used to compare pre- and postworkshop scores. Twenty-five students rated the academic sessions as excellent. The score before the workshop ranged from 0 to 17 with mean (SD) 9.27 (4.2). The post-workshop score had a minimum to maximum score of 10-26 with mean (SD) of 16.18 (3.7) (p<0.005). The effect size d cohen (confidence interval [CI]) was 1.743 (0.942-2.545). The mean (SD) of absolute and relative gain was 10.8 (3.8) and 1.41 (0.07), respectively. 66.7% medical students showed a 30% rise in their post-workshop scores, the cut-off for effectiveness of the workshop. The evaluation of a workshop on research methodology provided insights into the outcomes and modifications required for their future improvement.

Are all birds same? Looking beyond the purview of research methodology workshops

Are all birds same? Looking beyond the purview of research methodology workshops

Feedback of postgraduate students about research methodology workshop

Background: The feedback from PG students will address the issues in organization of the workshop if any, which may be helpful for the continual improvement. The objectives of the study were to analyze the feedback of postgraduate students about every session of workshop; to analyze the feedback of postgraduate students about overall program of workshop; to assess the change in the knowledge of the participants with the help of pretest and posttest scores.Methods: The present cross sectional study was carried out in the month of August 2018. The three days research methodology workshop was conducted at Shri Vasantrao Naik Government Medical College, Yavatmal during 7th to 9th August 2018 for the 44 postgraduate students. The pretest questionnaire, posttest questionnaire, daily feedback form and program evaluation form were given to each participant. The analysis of pretest and posttest was done by paired t test with statistical software Epi Info Version 7.Results: Total 44 postgraduate students gave feedback on each day. The maximum score (1108) was given by participants to experimental study design and lowest score (942) was given to third group activity based on literature search. For the question about the scope for betterment in the workshop, we had developed three themes based on the responses of participants by using content analysis. Paired ‘t’ test showed significant difference between pre and post-test (p&lt;0.001).Conclusions: The students gave constructive feedback on improvement of the sessions on literature search and Mendeley.

Research Methodologies for Total Worker Health®: Proceedings From a Workshop.

There is growing interest in the NIOSH Total Worker Health program, specifically in the process of designing and implementing safer, health-promoting work and workplaces. A Total Worker Health (TWH) Research Methodology Workshop was convened to discuss research methods and future needs. Twenty-six experts in occupational safety and health and related fields reviewed and discussed current methodological and measurement issues and those showing promise. TWH intervention studies face the same challenges as other workplace intervention studies and some unique ones. Examples are provided of different approaches and their applications to TWH intervention studies, and desired developments in the TWH literature. This report discusses and outlines principles important to building the TWH intervention research base. Rigorous, valid methodologic, and measurement approaches are needed for TWH intervention as well as for basic/etiologic, translational, and surveillance research.

A micro-level outcomes evaluation of a skills capacity intervention within the South African public service: Towards an impact evaluation

Orientation: Interest in measuring the impact of skills development interventions has increased in recent years. Research purpose: This article reports on an outcomes evaluation under the ambit of an impact assessment with reference to a research methodology workshop. Motivation of the study: A paucity of studies could be found measuring the workshop outcomes, especially within the public service as it pertains to training interventions. Research approach/design and method: A pretest–post-test research design was implemented. A paired-sample t-test was used to measure the knowledge increase while controlling for the influence of previous training by means of an analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis. Main findings: Results indicated that the increase in research methodology knowledge was statistically significant. Previous training influenced the model only by 0.8%, which was not statistically significant. Practical/managerial implications: It is recommended that the suggested framework and methodology be utilised in future research as well as in monitoring and evaluation endeavours covering various training interventions. Contribution/value add: The study provides evidence of the impact generated by a training intervention, within the South African Public Service. Thus, addressing a research gap in the corpus of knowledge.

A survey of Information Literacy level and its related factors among the students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences and Kurdistan University

Background & Aim: Information literacy is a concept emerged through the rapid transformation of information technologies, which is essential to survival in an information community. The present study aimed to determine information literacy and its contributing factors in the students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences and Kurdistan University in 2015. Materials & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 500 students at Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences and Kurdistan University in Kurdistan, Iran in 2015. The subjects were selected via single-stage cluster sampling. Data were collected using the standardized questionnaire by Davarpanah and Siamak. Data analysis was performed in SPSS version 20 using t-test and one-way analysis of variance.n Results: Mean score of information literacy was 25.12p8.40 (total score: 87) among the subjects. The mean score of information literacy was higher in the students of Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences (25.99p8.43) compared to the students of Kurdistan University (22.68p7.91) (P=0.02). In addition, the score of information literacy was higher in the medical students compared to non-medical students (P=0.03). Conclusion: Considering the low level of information literacy in university students and given the importance of information skills in the scientific progress and professional efficiency of individuals, training should be provided on such skills through research methodology workshops and computer work in order to increase the information literacy of these students.

Awareness &amp; Knowledge Regarding Research Skills among Post Graduate Emergency Medicine Doctors in Teaching Hospitals of Kolkata

In today’s world, all doctors are required to keep their medical knowledge and training up-to-date. Doctors should provide effective treatments based on the ‘best available evidence’. It is widely accepted that evidence-based medicine has contributed significantly to the practice of medicine and advancement of medical science. Every doctor should strive to contribute to the generation of evidence by conducting research. Objectives of the Study: To assess the awareness and knowledge of research skills among post graduate emergency medicine doctors in teaching hospitals of Kolkata and identify any further scope inculcating research skills of emergency medicine residents leading to contribution in health research. Methodology: It is a multicentre, prospective questionnaire survey among post graduate emergency medicine residents of teaching hospitals in Kolkata. The sample size was 100 done during period of 1 year. Discussion: 60.6% were more than 29 years of age and 32% among 26-28. 60% had prior experience of writing research paper and even then 96% wanted to participate in research methodology workshop. 99% knew that research improves outcomes in patient management and that they require continue guidance and supervision during their thesis projects. Only few were able to complete their research work on time. The major reasons cited for poor research activity in our study were inadequate facilities for research and lack of time. In institutional reasons, we found 54% had found inadequate support from mentors or assistants and 20% cited lack of research curriculum. 51% believe that active participation can be done by MCI/DNB and universities by allocating time for research and making it mandatory. Conclusion: The study population was male predominant and young with majority having the background of research knowledge. Most of the participants however agreed that research methodology workshop was needed to improve their knowledge and in fact should be made compulsory in post graduation courses. 97% felt that specific time should be allotted separately during curriculum planning for research. In conclusion research is the realized need among our study population. Steps should be taken for promotion of research among emergency medicine post graduate residents.

Assessment of change in knowledge about research methods among delegates attending research methodology workshop.

Aim:In an era of evidence based medicine research is an essential part of medical profession whether clinical or academic. A research methodology workshop intends to help participants, those who are newer to research field or those who are already doing empirical research. The present study was conducted to assess the changes in knowledge of the participants of a research methodology workshop through a structured questionnaire.Methods:With administrative and ethical approval, a four day research methodology workshop was planned. The participants were subjected to a structured questionnaire (pre-test) containing 20 multiple choice questions (Q1-Q 20) related to the topics to be covered in research methodology workshop before the commencement of the workshop and then subjected to similar posttest questionnaire after the completion of workshop. The mean values of pre and post-test scores were calculated and the results were analyzed and compared.Results:Out of the total 153 delegates, 45(29 %) were males and 108 were (71 %) females. 92 (60%) participants consented to fill the pre-test questionnaire and 68 (44%) filled the post-test questionnaire. The mean Pre-test and post-test scores at 95% Confidence Interval were 07.62 (SD ±3.220) and 09.66 (SD ±2.477) respectively. The differences were found to be significant using Paired Sample T test (P <0.003).Conclusion:There was increase in knowledge of the delegates after attending research methodology workshops. Participatory research methodology workshops are good methods of imparting knowledge, also the long term effects needs to be evaluated.

Meeting report: Vitiligo Global Issues Consensus Conference Workshop "Outcome measurement instruments" and Vitiligo International Symposium, Rome, Nov 30-Dec 3rd.

The international community had last December its first vitiligo only research meeting in the Eternal City. Vitiligo is a well-recognized but poorly addressed public health concern worldwide. The Vitiligo International Symposium (VIS) is a strong signal for the medical world of the coming of age of as a major research field. Because of the gathering of the majority of world experts, the meeting was preceded by a clinical research methodology workshop held at the San Gallicano Institute. This report gives a combined account of the two parts. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Research experience of resident doctors who attended research methodology courses of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

For over three decades, the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria (NPMCN) has been vested with the responsibility of overseeing postgraduate medical training. The main objective of this study was to assess the residents' perception of research as well as challenges faced in pursing seamless research during their training. This study was a cross-sectional descriptive survey in 2013. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to the participants of the annual research methodology workshop in all the 15 faculties of the NPMCN. The questionnaires assessed the residents' previous exposure to research, their publication history and their trainers' input to their own research. Statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 20 software. Four hundred and one resident doctors, out of a total of 415 who attended the course, completed the questionnaires during the study period (96.6% response rate). There were 269 (67.0%) males and 132 (33.0%) females, giving a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. About three-quarters of them admitted that their exposure to research during training was grossly inadequate. Twenty-five percent of them were involved in a previous research before residency training, and a further 70% of respondents were involved in their trainers' research work. Ninety-four percent in our study identified a lack of dedicated time to be spared for research as a major obstacle to research. Contribution and exposure to research among postgraduate trainees in Nigeria are low. Lack of dedicated time for research was viewed as the major obstacle to research by most residents.