Working Together: GROW PR Network’s Site visits
This past May, GROW PR Network’s team members had the opportunity to meet with Neomed Center Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Rosa Castro, and their Medical Director/Information Officer, Dr. Hector Rodriguez. Neomed Center has eight facilities providing a range of medical and ancillary services to the medically underserved populations in the east and center of Puerto Rico. With mental health and other specialized services, Neomed has been expanding through the adoption of innovative methods of service delivery, focused on the needs of their population. Deriving from this very principle, GROW PR Network and Neomed have exchanged ideas focused on research development and disseminating findings that potentially impact primary care. GROW PR Network looks forward to expanding, strengthening, and supporting Neomed Center’s research efforts.
Learning Together Session I: Research Concept
On May 28, 2024 GROW PR Network held its first session for GROW Learning Together, an initiative that stemmed from the needs of the members and collaborators of the Network. The facilitator was GROW PR Network’s Lead, Dr. Enid J. Garcia. This virtual session served as part of a step-by-step introduction to the development of a Collaborative Research Concept form and idea development emphasizing on conducting literature reviews, proposing questions and defining clear ideas, establishing attainable and specific objectives, reformulating the research question, choosing a design, planning data collection methods, and refining the concepts based on the literature review findings. The session was inclusive of primary care health workers, policy analysts, research members, clinicians, public health specialists, and research enthusiasts from all primary care settings. Over 18 members attended and 33.3% completed a post activity evaluation where they rated the session as excellent. Survey respondents agreed that the training enhanced their research knowledge, that it improved their research skills, and that they would recommend it to others (Mean=4.5-4.8, Standard Deviation= 0.4-0.5 on a five-point Likert scale 1=Strongly disagreed to 5=Strongly agree). All sessions are held in English and Spanish. To access the video please click.
Join us for our upcoming sessions via Zoom!
- August 27, 2024 10:00 AM-11:00 AM AST Session II
Aspectos Éticos en la Investigación y Consentimiento Informado/ Ethical aspects in research and Informed consent
Adelma Rivera-Cruz, RN, BSN, CCRC, Research Subject Advocate
Meeting ID: 853 1119 3323
Passcode: 040339
- October 22, 2024 10:00 AM-11:00 AM AST Session III
Certificación en Investigación con Sujetos Humanos
Edna Acosta Pérez, PhD, MSc, Associate Professor/ Graduate School of Public Health UPR
Meeting ID: 837 1631 9836
Passcode: 88716
Advancing Research through Collaborative Learning: Insights from GROW PR Network
Sharing recent achievements and insights from Generating Research Opportunities Working Together for Puerto Rico at four annual scientific events: The 44th Annual Research and Education Forum, Public Health Week Conference, The Alliance’s Scientific Day, and the National PBRN conference. Over the past three years, the GROW PR Network PBRN has experienced remarkable growth and development, reflecting the commitment to advancing translational epidemiology and public health research. GROW PR Network had the opportunity to showcase its achievements and share research findings with a broader audience. On June 15th GROW PR Network presented “Engaging Multisectoral Stakeholders: Generating Research Opportunities Working Together Approach” at the annual Practice Based Research Network Conference in Virginia. The poster described how Team-based learning was implemented, not only to foster engagement, partnerships, and gap identification but also to promote active involvement in research endeavors. Incorporating evidence-based strategies and culturally appropriate interventions created an environment of respect for the unique linguistic and social contexts in Puerto Rico. Generally, the findings underscored the complexity of healthcare access issues and the importance of multifaceted approaches to address them effectively. By identifying specific areas for research and collaboration, the activity laid the groundwork for future initiatives seeking to improve healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations in Puerto Rico.
Pictured left to right: Dr. Carlamarie Noboa (GROW PR Network’s Co-leader), Dr. Enid García (GROW PR Network’s leader). Photograph by staff member
Launch of GROW PR Network’s Website!
Generating Research Opportunities Working Together for Puerto Rico is excited to announce the official launch for their website. After three years of pioneering the first Practice-Based Research Network on the island, dedicated to fostering innovative research in clinical, academic, non-profit, and community-based settings, we are excited to share a site to dive into the latest findings, projects, ideas, and resources of the Network.
What’s New on the GROW PR Network Website?
- GROW PR Network’s 2024 activity calendar with past and upcoming Learning Together Sessions,
- The Collaborative Research Concept
- Resources and Support, find tools to enhance your research practice and maximize your impact.
- Contact information: Connect with key contacts who can support your involvement in the Network.
Visit GROW PR Network’s site and explore offerings, tools, resources, and additional information. Together, let’s transform ideas into impactful projects that aim to make a difference in Puerto Rico.
