Journal of Clinical and Translational Science (Apr 2024)

233 Transforming the Academy of Community Reviewers (ACR) course into an E-Learning course in the Post COVID-19 Pandemic Era

  • Jasmine Neal,
  • Carolynn T. Jones,
  • Tanya Mathews,
  • Virginia Macias,
  • Sapna Varia,
  • Valerie Snavely

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1017/cts.2024.215
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8
pp. 70 – 70

Abstract

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OBJECTIVES/GOALS: The objectives of the Academy of Community Reviewers (ACR) serve to: (1) provide comprehensive education and training to community members about clinical research and the community review process for clinical research grants; and (2) collaborate with the community in the development of the training to ensure benefice and meaningful engagement. METHODS/STUDY POPULATION: This training targets community members who will serve as future grant reviewers for The Ohio State University Center for Clinical Translational Science (CCTS) pilot grant submissions, other grant submissions and as expert consultants on other projects needing community perspectives. In 2019 and 2020, this training was offered as a live session. Thirty-eight community reviewers were trained and have served as grant reviewers and consultants on over 70 projects. Based on feedback of former graduates, time demands, logistics, and technology advances warranted transitioning the course to an online learning platform. ACR graduates were consulted in course redesign and updates. Course revisions include material on DEIA, implicit bias and health equity in clinical research with narrated lectures. RESULTS/ANTICIPATED RESULTS: Each of the 7 modules (including a total of 15 submodules) will have a brief summary knowledge check. The module “How to incorporate diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in health research” will invite trainees to independently explore their own social identity and biases through a guided exercise. The last (7th) module will have interactive opportunities for submitting grant reviews and participation in an online grant review session, geared to The Ohio State University CCTS. ACR graduates have been invited to consult on educational material and pilot the new course. Demographic, knowledge assessments and module evaluations will be collected. An overall course evaluation and focus group interviews with graduates will also be analyzed for quality improvement and contributions in grant reviews. DISCUSSION/SIGNIFICANCE: The increased accessibility of the ACR course will foster more inclusive community engagement and support the development of clinical and translational research that is innovative, efficient, equitable, and relevant to its beneficiaries. This in depth community reviewer training has been designed to be used and customized to other CTSA Hubs.