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Rutgers SHP Requirements for Graduation and Course Descriptions

Department of Clinical Laboratory Sciences/Medical Laboratory Sciences

Clinical Laboratory Science

CLSC7189 - DCLS Research Project I

Course Description

DCLS Research Project is a three-course series (CLSC 7189, CLSC 7289, CLSC 7389) taken consecutively from the first semester of the clinical residency year, providing the opportunity for development of a prospectively planned and approved translational/outcomes research project which is advisor-guided, student-directed, and designed to support and enhance students’ abilities to apply their graduate learning experiences and achieve tangible outcomes. The Project course series includes all aspects of the translational/outcomes research project, including the planning, implementation, conduct, data entry, analysis, intereptation of resutls, preparation, and presentation of the research project, both oral and written. The project focuses on direct, tangible outcomes applicable to CLS professional competencies and any aspects of clinical laboratory science where quality gaps exist. The project is conducted during the clinical practice year at the assigned DCLS clinical practice affiliate site.
The goal of CLSC 7189 DCLS Research Project I is advisor-guided, student-directed research project planning and approval, including a formal written research project proposal, preliminary literature review, IRB submission/approval, and other activities required to begin project work at the university and clinical affiliate site.

Credits/Modes of Instruction

Credits: 3

Hours: Participants should anticipate spending approximately 150-300 hours in research activities, or an average of 10-20 hours per week for 15 weeks. The clinical coordinator and the student will develop an individualized timeline for completion of the course requirements.

Prerequisites

• Enrollment as a matriculated students in the DCLS program
• Completion of all required pre-clinical practice DCLS courses

Course Goals and Outcomes:

Goals

The primary goal is to apply cumulative graduate knowledge and skills to a specific translational research experience. The course goal is to assess the students’ theoretical knowledge and research proficiency by carrying out an independent, faculty guided project, producing an original piece of research, and making a significant contribution to solving problems in quality services delivery and expanding the CLS knowledge base.
The student is expected to complete independent research activities that contribute significantly to the field of clinical laboratory science. Since students entering the course series have different levels of knowledge and experience related to the research process, each must develop the specifications and outcomes for this major assignment and obtain approval from his/her clinical coordinator and research advisor.
The major assignment for this course is development of a research proposal that provides a foundation for the student to complete a doctoral research project. The expected outcome is committee approval of the research proposal.

Outcomes

• Monitor laboratory data, test utilization, and diagnostic testing processes for individual patients and populations using informatics and analytics to reduce diagnostic errors, improve efficiency, and reduce costs.
• Apply theoretical and methodological knowledge and skills to identify and develop a research project, a specific research question, and hypotheses.
• Conduct research and apply evidence to demonstrate clinical utility of laboratory tests and algorithms and to improve the quality, efficiency, and safety of the overall diagnostic testing process.
• Conduct a focused review of the relevant literature.
• Create an appropriate conceptual framework.
• Develop a realistic research design with specific research strategies.
• Formulate a project proposal of the intended research project per appropriate guidelines.
• Educate health care providers, patients, their families, and the general public on the indications, best evidence, patient preparation, and interpretation of clinical laboratory testing, including home self-testing.
• Communicate research ideas and their appropriate theoretical and methodological issues effectively and efficiently.
• Participate in public and private health policy decision making at all organization and government levels using best evidence.
• Identify potential limitations in research project process, including time management, project management, organizational aspects, stress management, and communication.
Describe the clinical impact of research project findings in improving health outcomes, streamlining care systems, and reducing errors and costs in the clinical facility and ramifications for future practice.