1. Use of a simplified protocol to increase academic clinical faculty research productivity
Leigh E. Tenkku, PhD, MPH
Department of Family and Community Medicine
Saint Louis University
STFM Annual Conference
Denver, CO
May 2, 2009

2. What is the Problem
The expectations of Family Medicine academic clinical faculty to conduct research has been clearly stated, however, the ability to conduct feasible, relevant, and fundable research studies remains difficult to achieve.

3. A possible solution
We created a protocol process using the FINER (feasible, interesting, novel, ethical, relevant) model and one-on-one consults with faculty who have a limited amount of time to devote to research.
Hulley et al 2007, Designing Clinical Research

4. FINER Interesting Feasibility Relevant Novelty Ethical A Good
Adequate number of studies
and technical expertise
Affordable in time and money
Manageable in scope
Getting the answer intrigues the investigator and others
Feasibility
Interesting
A Good
Research Study
Relevant
Novelty
Confirms, refutes or extends previous findings,
or provides new findings
Relevant to scientific knowledge,
clinical and health policy,
and future research
Ethical
Amenable to a study that institutional review board will approve

5. Department Research Protocol
1. Designing the Study:
2. Post-Study Design:
3. Post-Data Collection:

6. Designing the Study Inclusion criteria Identify question/hypotheses
Exclusion criteria
Recruitment of participants- Discuss challenges in recruiting the study population
Analysis Plan- outcomes defined, identify data points, statistical analyses and tables
Barriers- Discuss potential obstacles to completion of study. How will they be addressed?
Measurement instruments
Identify question/hypotheses
Literature review
Study design
Discuss HOW to implement idea with strong scientific design
Is this study the next step in what has been done previously?
Identify key variables and outcomes
Mechanisms needed to implement study (website, , survey, etc)
Sample – Define the study population

7. Who, Where, When
Personnel (assign roles to those assisting with implementation of the study)
Logistics – Location, staff involvement, etc
Consent process – who will oversee the informed consent process
Data collection process - Who will collect data, how, and when will data collection begin
Set overall timeframe for study – create timeline
Identify first author, second author, i.e. who will write manuscript sections

8. Post-Study Design Synthesizing the literature
Recruitment Letter/Statement (this should essentially be an outline of the study)
IRB forms – type (exempt, full, expedited) criteria for each is reviewed

9. Post-Data Collection
Analyze data –define tables, report results in tables, write results (interpretation of data)
Publication (where can you submit this paper, get guidelines, read sample articles)
Prepare manuscript for journal submission
Set date for manuscript completion
Submit manuscript and get published! Yay!
Present poster at applicable conference

10. Outcomes
Using the study design protocol, five studies were designed and implemented within a period of three months. Four of the studies were education-based, one with a clinical component, and one study was set in the clinic. Three additional studies have been added since June 08.

11. Departmental Research Protocol
Study Subject
(1) Designing the Study
(2) Post-Study Design
(3) Post-Data Collection
Dissemination
Musculoskeletal and Injection
Workshop for Medical Students
Evidence-Based Exercise Prescription
Preceptor Training Methods
(Traditional vs Online Module)
Efficacy of self-administered assessment tool for diabetic patients to improve treatment plan adherence
Pilot study of the use of a FAS recognition protocol
Perception of Healthcare by LBGT Population and their Healthcare providers
Clerkship workshop on provision of care
for the LGBT population
Effect of Summer Preceptorship Program on Student Interviewing Skills
Article Submission
Data Collection
Data Collection
In Enrollment
In Enrollment
In Design
Data Collection
In Design

12. Implications
A simplified study design protocol process has the potential of increasing the interest and ability of academic clinical faculty to conduct research.

13. Acknowledgements My research team:
Jesse Walls, MSW, Sr. Research Asst.
Joanne Salas, BS, Data Manager
Liz Bolhofner, BS, Research Asst.