Abstract
In late 2007, HMORN leaders surveyed investigators to learn how to better foster and support multi-site projects. This poster recaps survey results, reviews 2008 progress to address findings, and summarizes ongoing efforts.
Methods: The 2007 HMORN investigators’ survey was anonymously administered via www.surveymonkey.com. Directors emailed the survey link to their faculty, including one email reminder. A total of 279 surveys were reportedly distributed.
2007 Survey Results: Surveys were completed by 161 investigators (58%) from 14 of 15 Centers. Full/senior Investigators represented 49% of responders, 19% were associate and 24% assistant level researchers. Years of experience averaged 15. The top 5 features investigators identified that would make multi-site research more attractive were: ways to find and connect with colleagues (32%); central or streamlined IRB (12%); more opportunities and better dissemination of them (11%); coordinated budget development and grant administration (10%); boilerplate, website, guides, clear processes (9%). Investigators also shared the top five ways the HMORN could assist investigators. These were: PI directory with bios, virtual scientific interest groups, streamlined grants and contracts administration, web based guides and resources and improved communications.
2008 Progress Made: The Network responded to investigator priorities in 2008 in a number of ways, and there are now many more resources available than when the survey was conducted. A directory of Investigators by site and research interests is now on the HMORN website with links to biographical information on external Center websites. Search features will be added to the PI Directory in 2009. An SOP for streamlined, facilitated IRB review of low-risk, data only studies was adopted across the Network. Templates for coordinating budget and grant development are available as well as a variety of boilerplate, guides, toolkits and best practices. The Network is working to finalize template subcontract and data use agreements and expand functionality of the Network’s website. To support and maintain all of this, every HMORN Center has made a financial commitment to the Network, beginning in 2009.
Next Steps: With the funding of the 2009 HMORN Operating Budget, the Network is continuing to implement improvements to the website, administrative resources, VDW, communications and more.
