“An Introduction to Health Research: From Idea to Publication” – Designing and Implementing a Virtual Hands-On Research Course for Healthcare Students

Abstract

Introduction: Early exposure to medical research is essential for healthcare professionals, to shape their careers and enhancing patient care. However, students face significant obstacles, such as lack of prior knowledge and mentorship. Malta’s healthcare students lack hands-on research teaching.
Methods: To address this gap in knowledge, a tailored elective virtual research course was designed using the analysis, design, development, implementation and evaluation (ADDIE) framework. Titled “An Introduction to Health Research: From Idea to Publication,” the course comprised eight weekly lectures covering theoretical and practical aspects of research. Teaching consisted of didactic teaching and problem-based learning tasks. Conducted via the University of Malta’s DegreePlus program, it allowed hands-on group work and active participation through online conferencing platforms. All students enrolled in the course completed pre- and post-course surveys, to assess whether the course affected students’ perception towards research.
Results: Most (57.14%, CI95%: 32.55 – 78.66) were in pre-clinical years, predominantly female (78.57%, CI95%: 51.68 – 93.16). 85.71% (CI95%: 58.81 – 97.24) lacked research experience or publishing opportunities. Main barriers included lack of opportunity (50.00%), time (21.40%), and training (28.60%). Post-course, significant improvements (p  <   0.05) were observed in research knowledge and confidence in conducting research. Qualitative analysis revealed that respondents expressed feelings of “empowerment through education” and appreciation for the “effective course design and delivery” of the course.
Conclusion: Engaging medical students in research during training is crucial despite challenges like limited opportunities and foundational skills. A virtual research course has significantly improved students’ confidence, knowledge, and skills in conducting research, showcasing its potential to enhance research training globally and advance healthcare delivery.