The Pain Research Enrichment Program (PREP): Developing an immersive program for research assistants at an academic medical center

Abstract

Research experience is often important for academic and career development. This paper describes the implementation and impact of a training program for temporary research assistants (RAs) at an academic medical center. The program includes a 9-month didactic lecture series covering research and professional development skills, a Quality Improvement project focused on improving research processes, and manuscript writing. Overall, the program goals of increasing confidence, self-efficacy, job satisfaction, and well-being, as well as providing an opportunity for career exploration, were met. Thus, this program has the potential to support temporary RAs and enhance their early research experiences.

Keywords

• Job satisfaction
• staff training
• staff morale
• staff well-being
• temporary research assistants