Creating opportunities in rehabilitation research training

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Health Services Research
• Medical Training

Background:

• A significant shortage of trained professionals in rehabilitation research was identified.
• The National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research (NIDRR) aimed to address this gap.
• The Rehabilitation Research Career Award was established in 1986 to foster research expertise.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the Rehabilitation Research Career Award program.
• To outline the key elements required for a successful rehabilitation research training program.
• To support the development of future leaders in rehabilitation research.

Main Methods:

• The paper details the conceptual framework and components of the NIDRR award.
• It identifies and describes seven critical ingredients for a qualified research training program.
• Focus areas include clinical training and research career development in rehabilitation.

Main Results:

• The Rehabilitation Research Career Award is designed to cultivate research skills in clinicians.
• Seven essential ingredients for a robust rehabilitation research training program are presented.
• These ingredients aim to ensure the quality and effectiveness of research training.

Conclusions:

• The NIDRR award provides a vital pathway for clinicians entering rehabilitation research.
• A structured, seven-component approach is crucial for developing competent rehabilitation researchers.
• Investing in specialized training is key to overcoming manpower shortages in the field.