Building the Next Generation of Researchers: Mentored Training in Dissemination and Implementation Science

Area of Science:

• Dissemination and Implementation Science
• Cancer Control Research
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Dissemination and Implementation (D&I) science is vital for bridging the gap between evidence-based interventions and their real-world application.
• Effective D&I strategies are needed to improve cancer prevention and control outcomes.
• Postdoctoral and early-career scholars require specialized training to conduct D&I research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the impact of the Mentored Training for Dissemination and Implementation Research in Cancer (MT-DIRC) program.
• To assess changes in mentoring, D&I skills, and network composition among cancer scholars.
• To determine the effectiveness of a structured D&I training program for early-career researchers.

Main Methods:

• A quasi-experimental design was employed over a 2-year training institute.
• Data collected included mentor competencies, mentee satisfaction with mentoring, and self-rated D&I skills.
• Social network analysis assessed changes in contact, mentoring, and collaboration networks.

Main Results:

• Mentors demonstrated high competence, and satisfaction gaps in mentoring areas decreased.
• Fellows showed significant self-reported improvements in D&I skills across all domains (42.5%-52.9% increase).
• Mentorship and collaboration networks expanded, with notable increases in scholarly manuscript and research project ties.

Conclusions:

• Mentored training effectively builds D&I skills and professional networks for cancer scholars.
• This approach enhances the capacity to implement evidence-based interventions in cancer control.
• Investing in D&I training is essential for advancing cancer prevention and control research.