Conducting Prospective Research as a Trainee: Experiences with the DRIVE-SAFE Study.

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Clinical Research Methodology
• Mechanical Ventilation

Background:

• Clinical research during fellowship presents significant challenges, including time constraints, limited mentorship, and resource scarcity.
• Fellows often face barriers to initiating and completing research projects within their training period.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a guide for trainees on conducting prospective bedside clinical research.
• To share experiences from the DRIVE-SAFE feasibility study on mechanical ventilation.
• To identify physiological variables predicting successful liberation from mechanical ventilation.

Main Methods:

• The DRIVE-SAFE study investigated driving pressure in assisted ventilation.
• Key steps included formulating a research question, developing methodology, and establishing outcomes.
• The study focused on identifying measurable physiological variables associated with lung injury and ventilation duration.

Main Results:

• The DRIVE-SAFE feasibility study was successfully conducted by critical care fellows.
• The study aimed to determine physiological predictors for weaning from mechanical ventilation.
• Challenges encountered during the study were addressed through mentorship and collaboration.

Conclusions:

• Prospective bedside clinical research is feasible for fellows with proper guidance.
• Mentorship, training, and stakeholder collaboration are crucial for overcoming research barriers.
• This experience offers valuable insights for trainees pursuing clinical research in critical care.