Abstract
BACKGROUND: Hospitalists frequently work on diverse projects, but often do not have the training and experience necessary to translate projects into peer-reviewed publications and grants. OBJECTIVE: Describe implementation and effect of a works-in-progress (WIP) series on progress and training in scholarly work. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Urban academic medical center. INTERVENTION: A weekly WIP session, named Incubator, serving as a forum where researchers, clinicians, and educators meet to review and provide feedback on projects underway across the Division of Hospital Medicine. MEASUREMENTS: We surveyed presenters at Incubator to evaluate the impact of Incubator on scholarly activities. Responses were based on Kirkpatrick's 4-level training hierarchy: (1) Reaction: participants' satisfaction; (2) Learning: knowledge acquisition; (3) Behavior: application of skills; and (4) Results of projects. We compared responses between researchers and nonresearchers using χ(2) tests. RESULTS: Of 51 surveys completed (response rate 70%), 35 (69%) projects were nonresearcher led. Reaction, behavior change, and results were all positive, with >90% respondents reporting a positive outcome in each category, a high rate of publication/funding, and 35% reporting learning as a result of Incubator. Comparison of researchers and nonresearchers revealed no significant differences, except nonresearchers reported significantly more favorable results in behavior and mentoring (P < 0.05). DISCUSSION: A regularly scheduled, researcher-led WIP session within a largely clinically oriented hospital medicine division can provide a venue for feedback that may promote progress and practical training in scholarly projects. In addition to robust career mentorship programs and protected time, a WIP can be an adjunct to improve scholarly output among academic hospitalists. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:719-723. © 2016 Society of Hospital Medicine.