ID
10
Pathway
Clinical Care
Description
This longitudinal project builds upon previously collected survey data evaluating serious illness communication training across multiple medical specialties. The next phase of the project aims to better understand how clinicians from different specialties are trained to conduct serious illness conversations, identify perceived barriers and facilitators, and explore opportunities to improve communication education.
Students will contribute to the design and implementation of qualitative research, including developing focus group guides, assisting with IRB-related activities as appropriate, conducting or supporting focus groups with clinicians, and analyzing qualitative data. The findings will help inform future educational initiatives and best practices for serious illness communication training across specialties.
This project is well suited for students interested in medical education, qualitative research, palliative care, communication skills, and improving patient-centered care. Because of its longitudinal nature, new students will have the opportunity to build on existing work while making meaningful contributions to the project's next phase.
Students will contribute to the design and implementation of qualitative research, including developing focus group guides, assisting with IRB-related activities as appropriate, conducting or supporting focus groups with clinicians, and analyzing qualitative data. The findings will help inform future educational initiatives and best practices for serious illness communication training across specialties.
This project is well suited for students interested in medical education, qualitative research, palliative care, communication skills, and improving patient-centered care. Because of its longitudinal nature, new students will have the opportunity to build on existing work while making meaningful contributions to the project's next phase.
Goals
Build on existing survey data to better understand serious illness communication training across different medical specialties.
Explore clinicians' experiences, perceived barriers, and educational needs through qualitative focus groups.
Generate evidence to inform improvements in serious illness communication curricula and training programs at UMass Chan and affiliated clinical sites.
Develop students' skills in qualitative research, study design, data analysis, and scholarly dissemination.
Produce scholarly deliverables, such as abstracts, posters, presentations, and manuscripts, while contributing to a sustainable, longitudinal research initiative that can be continued by future Pathways students.
Explore clinicians' experiences, perceived barriers, and educational needs through qualitative focus groups.
Generate evidence to inform improvements in serious illness communication curricula and training programs at UMass Chan and affiliated clinical sites.
Develop students' skills in qualitative research, study design, data analysis, and scholarly dissemination.
Produce scholarly deliverables, such as abstracts, posters, presentations, and manuscripts, while contributing to a sustainable, longitudinal research initiative that can be continued by future Pathways students.
Mentor
Jennifer Reidy
Mentor E-mail
Jennifer.Reidy@umassmemorial.org
Department
Palliative Medicine
Prior Students
Vishni Arulanandam (vishni.arulanandam@umassmed.edu)
Availability
Yes
Number Spots
4