Conceptualization, development, and early dissemination of eMPACTTM: A competency-based career navigation system for translational research professionals

Abstract Introduction: Purposeful training and ongoing career support are necessary to meet the evolving and expanding roles of clinical research professionals (CRP). To address the training and employment needs of clinical research coordinators (CRCs), one of the largest sectors of the CRP workfo...

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Main Authors: Ikseon Choi, Sejung Kwon, Jay W. Rojewski, Janette R. Hill, Eunice S. Kim, Elaine Fisher, Rebecca S. Thomas, Linda McCauley
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Cambridge University Press 2024-01-01
Series:Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2059866123006933/type/journal_article
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author Ikseon Choi
Sejung Kwon
Jay W. Rojewski
Janette R. Hill
Eunice S. Kim
Elaine Fisher
Rebecca S. Thomas
Linda McCauley
author_facet Ikseon Choi
Sejung Kwon
Jay W. Rojewski
Janette R. Hill
Eunice S. Kim
Elaine Fisher
Rebecca S. Thomas
Linda McCauley
author_sort Ikseon Choi
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Introduction: Purposeful training and ongoing career support are necessary to meet the evolving and expanding roles of clinical research professionals (CRP). To address the training and employment needs of clinical research coordinators (CRCs), one of the largest sectors of the CRP workforce, we designed, developed, and implemented an online career navigation system, eMPACTTM (eMpowering Purposeful Advancement of Careers and Training). Methods: A design-based research method was employed as an overarching approach that frames iterative design, development, and implementation of educational interventions. The five major phases of this project – conceptualization, task analysis for measurement development, algorithms development, algorithms validation, and system evaluation – presented specific goals and relevant methods. Results: The results reported how the eMPACTTM system was conceptualized, developed, and validated. The system allowed CRCs to navigate tailored training and job opportunities by completing their task competencies and career goals. The data sets could, in turn, support employees’ and training coordinators’ informed decisions about organizational training needs and recruitment. The early dissemination results showed steady growth in registered CRCs and diversity in users’ ethnicity and job levels. Conclusions: The eMPACTTM service showed the possibility of supporting CRCs’ individual career advancement and organizational workforce enhancement and diversity. Long-term research is needed to evaluate its impact on CRC workforce development, explore key factors influencing workforce sustainability, and expand eMPACTTM service to other CRP sectors.
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spelling doaj.art-caad80b9e219454584b8a1ecdb15bd072024-01-03T07:01:19ZengCambridge University PressJournal of Clinical and Translational Science2059-86612024-01-01810.1017/cts.2023.693Conceptualization, development, and early dissemination of eMPACTTM: A competency-based career navigation system for translational research professionalsIkseon Choi0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8005-1649Sejung Kwon1https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9307-0603Jay W. Rojewski2https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2943-0739Janette R. Hill3https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9724-2895Eunice S. Kim4Elaine Fisher5https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5690-0185Rebecca S. Thomas6Linda McCauley7Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USANell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USADepartment of Workforce Education and Instructional Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USADepartment of Workforce Education and Instructional Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USADepartment of Workforce Education and Instructional Technology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, USANell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USACenExel: Medical Research Centers, Atlanta, GA, USANell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA Abstract Introduction: Purposeful training and ongoing career support are necessary to meet the evolving and expanding roles of clinical research professionals (CRP). To address the training and employment needs of clinical research coordinators (CRCs), one of the largest sectors of the CRP workforce, we designed, developed, and implemented an online career navigation system, eMPACTTM (eMpowering Purposeful Advancement of Careers and Training). Methods: A design-based research method was employed as an overarching approach that frames iterative design, development, and implementation of educational interventions. The five major phases of this project – conceptualization, task analysis for measurement development, algorithms development, algorithms validation, and system evaluation – presented specific goals and relevant methods. Results: The results reported how the eMPACTTM system was conceptualized, developed, and validated. The system allowed CRCs to navigate tailored training and job opportunities by completing their task competencies and career goals. The data sets could, in turn, support employees’ and training coordinators’ informed decisions about organizational training needs and recruitment. The early dissemination results showed steady growth in registered CRCs and diversity in users’ ethnicity and job levels. Conclusions: The eMPACTTM service showed the possibility of supporting CRCs’ individual career advancement and organizational workforce enhancement and diversity. Long-term research is needed to evaluate its impact on CRC workforce development, explore key factors influencing workforce sustainability, and expand eMPACTTM service to other CRP sectors. https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2059866123006933/type/journal_articleTranslational workforce developmentclinical research coordinatorcareer navigation systemjob and training matching algorithmcareer advancement
spellingShingle Ikseon Choi
Sejung Kwon
Jay W. Rojewski
Janette R. Hill
Eunice S. Kim
Elaine Fisher
Rebecca S. Thomas
Linda McCauley
Conceptualization, development, and early dissemination of eMPACTTM: A competency-based career navigation system for translational research professionals
Journal of Clinical and Translational Science
Translational workforce development
clinical research coordinator
career navigation system
job and training matching algorithm
career advancement
title Conceptualization, development, and early dissemination of eMPACTTM: A competency-based career navigation system for translational research professionals
title_full Conceptualization, development, and early dissemination of eMPACTTM: A competency-based career navigation system for translational research professionals
title_fullStr Conceptualization, development, and early dissemination of eMPACTTM: A competency-based career navigation system for translational research professionals
title_full_unstemmed Conceptualization, development, and early dissemination of eMPACTTM: A competency-based career navigation system for translational research professionals
title_short Conceptualization, development, and early dissemination of eMPACTTM: A competency-based career navigation system for translational research professionals
title_sort conceptualization development and early dissemination of empacttm a competency based career navigation system for translational research professionals
topic Translational workforce development
clinical research coordinator
career navigation system
job and training matching algorithm
career advancement
url https://www.cambridge.org/core/product/identifier/S2059866123006933/type/journal_article
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