Evaluating a research training program for rural physicians

Abstract

This thesis explores the development of an evaluative framework for the research training program called 6for6 and assesses its short-term effectiveness in developing research competency and productivity among rural physicians. To establish the framework, a logic model and an evaluation matrix were developed to outline components of 6for6 that could be improved. The effectiveness of 6for6 was assessed using a repeated measures analysis, a generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), and the Cochran Q test. Results from the GLMM show that overall research competency scores were higher in the intervention group in comparison to the control group (mean and standard deviation: 65.7% ± 37.6% and 58.6% ± 14.4%, p<0.05). Similarly, higher productivity rates were observed in the intervention group (80.6 ± 207.6 per 100 person-years) in comparison to the controls (8.4 ± 19.9 per 100 person-years, p<0.0005). Programs like 6for6 can increase the amount of research conducted in rural healthcare and improve participants’ research competency and productivity.