Effect of a multimodal multidisciplinary training program on pharmacy residents' knowledge and confidence toward research and biostatistics

Introduction: The optimal method to increase pharmacy resident knowledge and confidence toward research remains unknown. Objective: This study evaluated the impact of a structured curriculum on pharmacy residents' knowledge, confidence and attitude toward biostatistics and research. Methods: This prospective, multicenter study included pharmacy residents from 2016 to 2017. Residents underwent research training with (1) 60-hours of online modules delivered by multidisciplinary senior faculty (MD, PhD), (2) a 2-day interactive workshop delivered by experienced pharmacy researchers and (3) a mentored longitudinal research experience. Fifteen residents were invited to complete a questionnaire at baseline and again before graduation to measure knowledge, confidence and attitudes about research. Residents were followed for one additional year to measure peer-reviewed publications. Results: Eleven (73%) residents provided complete responses to lsurvey domain. At baseline, 27% of respondents reported being at least somewhat confident about their biostatistics and research skills (a favorable response for 5 of the 9 confidence items). At follow-up, 91% self-reported confidence. Self-reported familiarity with statistical terminology (a score of 4 or 5) increased from 19% at baseline to 82% at follow-up. The mean correct score on the knowledge items at baseline was 15 +/- 2.5 (total possible 28) and increased to 20 +/- 2.7 after training. By one year after graduation, 53% of residents published at least 1 peer-reviewed manuscript and 20 peer-reviewed publications as first or co-author with a median journal impact factor of 3.16 (IQR: 2.61-4.59). Conclusion: This study provides a framework for sustainable, multidisciplinary, multimodal research education that increased confidence and knowledge among pharmacy residents and resulted in tangible contributions to the scientific literature. Future studies should explore long-term knowledge gained and publications.