The workshop sessions have been carefully formulated to meet the objectives while stimulating interactive discussions and avoiding monotony. Learning sessions will be in the following formats:
Scientific Programme
Pre-workshop webinars
Participants will attend a series of pre-workshop webinars on a variety of topics including research study designs, elements of a research protocol, research ethics and biostatistics. The webinars are interactive and participants are encouraged to submit their questions and problems for discussion during the seminar.
Protocol Development Groups
The Protocol Development Groups form the core activity of the workshop and enable participants to convert their one page research idea into a full-fledged research protocol ready for IRB / Ethics submission. Workshop participants will be divided into groups of eight, with each of these groups being mentored by 4-5 experts on clinical trials / research protocols. Each of the Protocol Development Groups sessions will give participants constructive critiques of their respective projects by the mentors, while applying the knowledge gained from the other sessions. Participants are likely to learn as much from their colleagues’ protocols getting developed as they are from their own.
Lectures
These are interactive presentations given by experts on common aspects of the methodology, design and conduct of clinical research proposals. Most of these principles will guide participants to complete their research protocols and complement the discussions during the protocol development groups. These talks are carefully scheduled to aid participants according to the stage of the protocol they are likely to develop on that day.
Meet The Expert Sessions
These are direct one-on-one sessions between workshop participants and faculty experts, and help clarify specific problems with protocols. Individual assistance with protocols from experts with unique strengths, allows participants to gain from the experience and knowledge of mentors from outside their own PDGs. These sessions could also be used for career guidance and advice on other aspects of research like grant writing, getting research
funding etc.
Focus Group Sessions
Focused sessions are held on specific topics which are not covered during the common sessions but are important parts of research protocols; these may also deal with essential elements to the success of research projects, as well as stimulate discussions around challenges and hurdles for different kinds of protocols. These groups are deliberately kept small to facilitate active interactions between the participants and the faculty. Some of the topics covered in focus groups include randomized trials, patient-reported outcomes, research in health economics, novel trial designs, publishing research findings, etc.
Post-Workshop Webinars
We have a series of monthly post-workshop webinars on various aspects of research methods, which participants are encouraged to attend. These webinars are useful to maintain knowledge, discuss any problems with their research study and seek advice from experienced faculty.