Led by internationally recognized researchers, the Health Services Research Academy is a virtual training program covering every aspect of a professional research project from idea to publication. Through online courses and one-on-one mentorships, develop academic-level skills to perform research studies, leverage large administrative data and write publishable, peer-reviewed papers.
The academy offers:
- Virtual, on-demand courses covering project development, analysis and dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed papers and presentations.
- One-on-one coaching or mentoring with health services research experts and editors of leading scientific journals.
- Flexibility to take courses anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.
- Capstone project resulting in a publishable paper ready to submit to journals.
- Up to 11.5 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™ for physicians and 11.5 ANCC contact hours for nurses.
- Certificate of Excellence in Research Scholarship.
Three levels of participation are available. Read the program summary for details, including participation requirements and a listing of academy directors, mentors and participants. Since the academy’s inception in 2019, there have been nearly 300 participants from 54 hospitals.
I was able to take the lead on a project and produce multiple deliverables, including platform presentations at national meetings and publication in a reputable peer-reviewed journal.
Examples of publications by program participants
Journal of Pediatrics. Emergency department visits for suicidal ideation and self-harm in rural and urban youth. Hoffman J, Hall M, Lorenz D, Berry J. (2021).
Pediatrics. Trends in healthcare utilization and spending for young children with neurologic impairment. Bayer N, Hall M, Li Y, Feinstein J, Thomson J, Berry J. (2022).
Journal of Investigative Medicine. Meckel's Diverticulum in adults; seldom suspected and frequently found. Attard T, Friesen C, Cole M, Berry J, Hall M. (2021).
Activities
Twenty on-demand learning modules that teach the fundamentals of health services research in a step-by-step manner. Examples of topics include:
- Developing research aims.
- Writing a manuscript.
- Understanding statistics.
- Responding effectively to reviewers.
Participants in the Capstone option will have:
- A minimum of two mentors: one clinical, one analytical.
- Virtual meetings with their mentorship team every two weeks to complete a research project in less than 12 months.
Results
- At the end of the program, all participants will improve their understanding of health services research, including how to design and conduct a research project as well as disseminate the findings through peer-reviewed publications and presentations.
- Each capstone participant will have completed a mentored research project.
- 11.5 credit hours of CME.
- Certificate of Excellence in Research Scholarship.
Four faculty from my division went through this program and have presented their work at national meetings and published manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply?
Any health care professional or research professional.
What is the commitment?
The program is tailored to the needs of each enrollee. The amount of time and effort required for graduation will vary, but a one-year commitment is anticipated for most participants.
Enrollees will complete a suite of 20 online health services research modules. Topics mirror the essential steps of developing and conducting a research project, as well as disseminating findings from it. Topics range from introductory (e.g., how to develop a research analytical plan) to advanced (e.g., multivariable analysis using large, administrative claims data).
The Capstone project provides the ultimate research experience. Enrollees can integrate one or more research projects with the learning modules and receive direct coaching or mentoring from faculty. Program faculty will collaborate closely with enrollees’ local mentors.
What makes this research program unique?
The curriculum is designed to enhance research project skills from idea conception to the dissemination of findings.
The curriculum includes teaching on fundamental aspects of research that are often absent from traditional academic research training degrees and programs, such as how to assemble high-quality tables and figures and how to write a high-quality response to reviewers during peer review for a manuscript publication.
This research program was developed with practicality at its core. The curriculum is flexible to accommodate your existing research knowledge and complement that knowledge by acquiring new research skills based on your interests. The timeline for completion is also flexible. It's designed to work as a stand-alone training program or in conjunction with the pursuit of a formal education degree.
