Continued impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical and translational science early-career researchers

Mayowski, Colleen A.; Meagher, Emma A.; Althouse, Andrew D.; Patino, Cecilia María; Thakar, Maya S; Welch, Julie L.; Rubio, Doris McGartland; White, George L.

doi:10.1017/cts.2022.511

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 12 publications

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“…CRCs have been major sites of support for early career investigators who conduct patient-oriented clinical research. The majority of CRCs responding to our survey reported that their early career investigators experienced significant challenges in continuing their research, confirming earlier reports [ 12 – 14 ]. It is hoped that these challenges will abate, but longer-term effects of the pandemic on career development should be monitored, with consideration of strategies to reverse this impact.…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CTSA Clinical Research Centers over 2 years

Samuels,

Hommeyer,

Booty

et al. 2023

J. Clin. Trans. Sci.

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Introduction:The COVID-19 pandemic had an abrupt impact on patient-oriented research early in the pandemic. CTSA Clinical Research Centers (CRCs) rapidly adapted to this challenge, but the continued impact of later phases of the pandemic on CRC operations is not clear. Methods: An online REDCap survey of CTSA CRCs was developed that covered the first 2 years of the pandemic. The survey focused on impact on CRC functions, mitigation strategies, recovery of CRC activities, CRC contributions to COVID-related research, and potential lessons for future public health emergencies. The survey was sent to CRC directors at 61 CTSA Hubs in May 2022. Results: Twenty-seven Hubs (44%) responded to the survey. Most CRCs reported greater than 50% declines in inpatient census in the first year of the pandemic, with less severe impacts on outpatient census. CRCs pivoted to support COVID-related research and adopted innovative technology-driven approaches to support clinical research. Census improved in the second year of the pandemic in most CRCs but often remained below prepandemic levels, and greater than half of CRCs reported decreased revenue. Conclusions: CTSA-supported CRCs faced unprecedented challenges at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and responded rapidly to support COVID-related research and implement innovative approaches that allowed patient-oriented research activities to resume. However, many CRCs continued to report decreased research activities in the second year of the pandemic, and the long-term effects on CRC operations on finances are not clear. CRCs will likely need to evolve to provide support in nontraditional ways.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 89%

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on CTSA Clinical Research Centers over 2 years

Samuels,

Hommeyer,

Booty

et al. 2023

J. Clin. Trans. Sci.

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“…In total, 58% of scholars and trainees were unable to conclude their research as initially planned, 57% experienced a dip in productivity, 54% faced escalating competing demands for their time, and 48% had reduced access to vital resources. 3 These disruptions presented significant hurdles for the successful development and sustenance of RTEs. The impact of the pandemic on RTEs also posed downstream effects with individual student trainee’s RSE, or the level of confidence students feel in working within the RTE.…”

Section: Disruptions In Research Training: Lessons From the Covid-19 ...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Hybrid Methodologies: The Evolution and Future of Scientific Training in a Post-Pandemic World

Evans,

Bradbury,

Bloom

2023

Journal of Diagnostic Medical Sonography

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As the world tackled the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly all research institutions underwent significant change, shifting from an in-person to an online landscape, resulting in several benefits and drawbacks to their research laboratories. The pandemic shut down most research efforts, and methods such as online Zoom meetings were required to keep most elements of the research and training going. In the post-COVID period, anxieties about health and safety resulted in difficulty in recruiting participants for clinical studies, and the emphasis on following health standards and guidelines (e.g., social distancing, personal protective equipment) required flexibility in research training processes. This symposium incorporates satisfaction rates and anecdotal evidence from individuals experiencing in-person and virtual research training throughout the pandemic to examine the changes and effects COVID-19 had on laboratory research. Nine traits of a high-quality research training environment (RTE), proposed in a study by Gelso et al, provide context for the subjective claims made and assist in categorizing certain traits. Both modes of research training carry benefits and drawbacks. The increase in collaboration and communication in an online space promoted several of the nine traits of an RTE. However, qualitative feedback from students suggests that the lack of training incorporating the direct operation of equipment, holding a transducer, and direct interaction was detrimental to new laboratory members and their research training. Flexibility and a combination of in-person and online training are likely necessary for an effective research environment in a post-COVID world.

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