304398
Clinical Research "Diplomado": Teaching ethical conduct of research in Central America
Methods: The University of South Florida’s Panama Program, lead an interdisciplinary team of international researchers in offering an annual four-month concentrated Clinical Research Diplomado (certificate program). The research course was offered to participants from different fields: medicine, orthodontists, nurses, laboratory technicians, medical students, among others. 120 contact hours were necessary to offer University of Panama and College of Physicians credit for professional reaccreditation. The Diplomado evolved from a completely onsite course, to a mixed format (onsite; online), culminating on an online cohort. Some of the main topics discussed, include: technology in research, history of research ethics, international bioethical regulations (Helsinki, Belmont, Nuremberg, Good Clinical Practice), biostatistics and epidemiology, types of studies, quality control, audits, and inspections.
Results: Over 200 health professionals trained through mixed-modalities (interactive lectures, weekly discussions, videos, case studies) by a variety of international experts and assessed through homework, quizzes, group papers/presentations.
Discussion: Diplomado graduates participate in international multi-center research projects applying their skills and receiving additional funding to conduct research. Utilization of the new online format is projected to expand the reach of this certificate to create research professionals, with the capability to address critical public health issues in the Region.
Learning Areas:
Administer health education strategies, interventions and programsEthics, professional and legal requirements
Implementation of health education strategies, interventions and programs
Public health or related education
Public health or related laws, regulations, standards, or guidelines
Learning Objectives:
Describe the development of a clinical research certificate program aimed at health professionals in Panama.
Demonstrate the need for qualified local health personnel trained in international standards of the ethical conduct of research in international settings.
Keyword(s): Ethics, Distance Education/Learning
Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I have been working on population based research and research training for over 10 years. I have identified the need to conduct training on bioethics in Latin America. I developed the content and development of the certificate program we will be presenting on for this abstract.
Any relevant financial relationships? No
I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.