Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to explore preceptors, residency program directors (RPDs), and residents' beliefs and intentions in participating in multicenter pediatric resident research projects (PRRPs). METHODS: This exploratory qualitative study used the theory of planned behavior to explore beliefs, attitudes, and intentions toward participation in a multicenter PRRP. Two focus groups were formed: RPDs/preceptors and pharmacy residents. The primary objective was to identify attitudes/salient beliefs, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral controls regarding participation in multicenter PRRPs. The secondary objectives included identifying potential barriers and mitigation strategies for multicenter PRRPs. Descriptive statistics and a thematic analysis were performed. RESULTS: The 2 focus groups included 24 participants: RPDs/preceptors (n = 16) and pharmacy residents (n = 8). The RPD/preceptor group had a mean of 7.4 ± 5.4 years of research experience; all residents had prior research experience as students. Participants shared and contrasted their salient beliefs, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control beliefs about logistical challenges, networking, mentoring, sample size, collaboration, workload, shared responsibilities for data collection and the institutional review board application, and resources associated with participation in multicenter PRRPs. Other items that participants felt were important were discussion of authorship order and dedicated research time for residents. CONCLUSIONS: Participants provided favorable comments toward multicenter PRRPs but acknowledged some barriers. The resident, preceptor, and RPD intention to participate in multi-center PRRPs is very likely if they perceive this as an opportunity for increased networking and mentorship, increased likelihood of publication, enhanced research skill experience, and shared resources and responsibilities.