Supporting researchers through full-service hotline and consultation services: Success in simplicity, customization, and staffing.

Abstract

Navigating the research domain at an academic medical center can be challenging, even for seasoned investigators. To address this, Duke University launched two initiatives: (1) a research navigation "hotline" to provide brief assistance with a variety of research questions; and (2) researcher onboarding and consultation, a one-to-one tailored offering to ensure that researchers are equipped to navigate research resources and processes effectively. The services are provided by the myRESEARCHnavigators (MRN) team, funded by Duke's CTSA. The diverse scientific backgrounds of the six team members align well with those of the research community, allowing for a good match between the researcher and MRN team member. The MRN team answers approximately 30 questions per month, and has provided consultations to almost 400 researchers. Both services receive high satisfaction ratings (4 or 5 stars [out of 5 stars] given to 90% of hotline answers, and 99% of researcher onboarding/consultation sessions). As of July 2019, the School of Medicine has determined that the consultations are critical to their mission and have made them a requirement for new research faculty. The team will continue marketing both services to encourage adoption.

Department

Description

Provenance

Citation

Published Version (Please cite this version)

10.1017/cts.2019.428

Publication Info

Brouwer, Rebecca Namenek, Emily Miller, Sunita Patil, Geeta K Swamy, Rebbecca Moen, Amanda McMillan and L Ebony Boulware (2020). Supporting researchers through full-service hotline and consultation services: Success in simplicity, customization, and staffing. Journal of clinical and translational science, 4(1). pp. 3–7. 10.1017/cts.2019.428 Retrieved from https://hdl.handle.net/10161/20654.

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Scholars@Duke

Brouwer

Rebecca Brouwer

Assist VP, Research & Innovation

My overarching goal is to facilitate effective research and collaborations for the Duke research community, through the delivery of targeted programs, tools, and individual consultations.

Patil

Sunita Patil

Assoc Dir, Research Operations

am currently a Associate Director-Research Operations with almost 15 years of demonstrated clinical research success. I serve as a mentor to individuals conducting clinical, translational, and qualitative research as part of the Duke community, which includes faculty, postdoctoral fellows, trainees, medical students, and clinical operations staff. I was instrumental in implementing the DOCR study design and grant planning services across the institution. I also serve as a navigator, answering a variety of questions from researchers at all stages of their careers and providing onboarding services to new investigators. I keep abreast of new information and Duke-wide policy updates regarding medical research, particularly pertaining to the IRB and National Institutes of Health, so that I can provide appropriate and timely advice to faculty and research staff. My current position enables me to connect my clients to resources at Duke that will support and facilitate their research efforts. This experience has helped me further develop my communication skills as well as a good sense of timeliness and discernment for providing the right amount of assistance. My ideas have been instrumental in shaping the development and success of the study planning, onboarding and navigation program.


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