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

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. Idris, Ernest Alema-Mensah, Yulia A. Levites Strekalova, Winston E. Thompson, Alexander Quarshie and Elizabeth Ofili
Additional contact information
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

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-14

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.

Keywords: diversity; early-stage investigators; career development; nested cluster randomization; mentorship; developmental networks; National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN); COVID-19; grant writing; mock study section (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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