AMDA Foundation - Foundation Research Network Meeting Tackles Strategic Planning

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Foundation Research Network Meeting Tackles Strategic Planning

Vol XXXIV, Apr '08

Although participants at the AMDA Foundation’s Research Network Spring Conference heard updates about ongoing studies and projects, they also had an opportunity to share their ideas and visions for the organization’s future. In an effort to flesh out some of the tools, materials, and support long term care researchers—particularly those who are Research Network members—need to prepare for, begin, and tackle studies, the organization took time for some self-examination. Through group discussions and question and answer sessions, Network leaders learned much about what activities and directions the organization might pursue in the coming years.

“The expectations for the Research Network are varied,” said Network Director Stefan Gravenstein, MD, CMD. “However, they are thematically consistent with a desire members have expressed to be active participants in improving care in long term care settings through research,” he explained, adding, “There clearly are substantial needs for mentorships, research educational support, and support in obtaining funding for pursuing research ideas.”

The Research Network, suggested Dr. Gravenstein, should become the “go to” resource for AMDA members about research support—from how to develop appropriate hypotheses and designing implementable projects to navigating IRBs [Institutional Review Boards], courting funding sources, and analyzing, presenting, and preparing data for publication. He further indicated, “We have a long way to go; but—under the Network’s prior leadership—we have made substantial headway into some of these areas, such as ethics in conducting research and various IRB issues.”

The Spring meeting, which attracted nearly 50 researchers, “helped consolidate the vision and focus for our priorities,” Dr. Gravenstein noted. “The feedback on specific priorities will help us channel resources and direction. At the next meeting, we will work with our members to understand the intersection between quality improvement and research—which use similar approaches for slightly different goals.”

A meeting summary has been circulated and approved by participants. An action plan to implement these priorities is now in development. Watch this e-newsletter and the AMDA Foundation Web site for updates on this project.