Interdisciplinary Research Training Center in Cancer Care Delivery

The goal of the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Cancer Care Delivery training program is to contribute to a robust cancer care delivery research workforce by preparing scientists to address critical issues of cancer care access and quality and conduct rigorous cancer care delivery research. The National Academy of Medicine, among others, have raised persistent questions regarding the quality and of care patients receive across the cancer care continuum. Given the pervasive challenges to optimal cancer care delivery, additional research capacity is needed to hasten the discovery of care gaps, develop and test efficacious interventions, implement discoveries into routine clinical practice, and ensure the delivery of high-quality cancer care. The proposed training program will prepare scientists from different disciplines to advance this needed research and to understand and improve cancer care delivery, thus filling a critical void in cancer research. We will prepare 5 pre and 12 postdoctoral trainees to become independent scientists who conduct cancer care delivery research with a focus on promoting high-quality cancer care. The program will produce independent scientists by providing a solid foundation in research methods and pertinent theory, depth of knowledge in a substantive science area pertinent to cancer care delivery, experience in the conduct of research, and socialization into the normative behavior of high quality, ethically sensitive research. Training is provided through four main activities: mentored research experiences, course work, a selected emphasis area, and professional development and socialization. Activities proposed in this renewal period include enhanced training in mixed methods and big data. Trainees will have an individualized development plan, and a mentorship team composed of a primary mentor with an active research program in cancer care delivery and a secondary mentor with content and/or methodological expertise. Across five top-ranked graduate schools at the University of Michigan –Nursing, Medicine, Pharmacy, Public Health, and Social Work – 30 primary and 10 secondary faculty with cancer care delivery research expertise have pledged to mentor trainees. This training program aligns with stated priorities of the National Cancer Plan: optimize the workforce, deliver optimal care, and maximize data utility.