Hostname: page-component-54dcc4c588-9xpg2 Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2025-09-14T02:38:12.760Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

158 Designing an online mentoring platform for clinical research coordinators: A structured approach

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 April 2025

Alexandria Carey
Affiliation:
University of Florida
Jennifer Moses
Affiliation:
University of Florida
E. Mendy Dunn
Affiliation:
University of Florida
Joyce Goodman
Affiliation:
University of Florida
Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Abstract

Core share and HTML view are not available for this content. However, as you have access to this content, a full PDF is available via the ‘Save PDF’ action button.

Objectives/Goals: Developing an online platform for the clinical research coordinator (CRC) mentoring program aimed to create an accessible space for professional development and peer support using Microsoft Teams. The platform fosters communication, community, and connection to share best practices and resources, enhancing competencies and growth within the CRC research learning community. Methods/Study Population: The CRC group mentoring program was developed using the ADDIE model. In the analysis phase, CRC needs were assessed to identify gaps in professional development, leading to the choice of Microsoft Teams for its effective communication and resource-sharing capabilities. The Design phase established objectives and content outlines for mentors and mentees. During development, training materials and interactive activities were created. Implementation involved onboarding participants and facilitating scheduled sessions. Finally, the Evaluation phase employed the Kirkpatrick model to assess program effectiveness: Level 1 gathered participant feedback, Level 2 measured knowledge gains, Level 3 tracked skill application, and Level 4 evaluated overall CRC performance and professional development impact. Results/Anticipated Results: Building and maintaining a learning community in Microsoft Teams with 16 mentors and 34 mentees across two health locations offers benefits and challenges. Benefits include the structured organization that facilitates collaboration, resource sharing, and real-time communication, regardless of location. Specific channels can focus discussions and virtual meeting scheduling streamlines coordination. Teams allow easy access to training materials and assessments. Challenges include maintaining engagement and fostering community. Asynchronous communication may lead to uneven participation, while digital literacy levels can hinder involvement. Sustaining meaningful interactions requires intentional facilitation and consistent encouragement to keep discussions dynamic and supportive. Discussion/Significance of Impact: The online Microsoft Teams mentoring platform boosts professional development, enhances community, and provides a vital space for resource sharing and discussion, thereby improving CRC competencies. Despite challenges like digital literacy and asynchronous communication, effective facilitation is crucial for empowering future leaders.

Information

Type
Education, Career Development and Workforce Development
Creative Commons
Creative Common License - CCCreative Common License - BYCreative Common License - NCCreative Common License - ND
This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives licence (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is unaltered and is properly cited. The written permission of Cambridge University Press must be obtained for commercial re-use or in order to create a derivative work.
Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. The Association for Clinical and Translational Science