Project 458396

Despite recent innovations, Canadian healthcare research continues to face two major challenges: a lack of translation of new knowledge into beneficial clinical practices; and persistent, unaddressed health inequities. The field of critical care medicine research exemplifies these issues. Critical care research often fails to capture the full trajectory and the full spectrum of critically ill patients, many of whom never reach an intensive care unit, where research is typically conducted. As a result, critical care scientific advances have only partially affected the care provided to severely ill patients and have unequally benefited Canadian patients. Research training has the potential to address these issues. However, existing Canadian research training programs that were meant to establish a bridge between scientific knowledge and clinical practice have faced multiple challenges, which have limited their benefits. New, flexible, research training models need to be explored, implemented and rigorously studied to further improve Canadians' health. We propose a national research training platform based on four core principles: (1) a team-based structure that connects individuals from different professions, disciplines, and institutions; (2) innovative recruitment strategies, curricula, mentorship, and governance that promotes equity, diversity and inclusiveness; (3) a dual focus on relationship building and scientific content; and, (4) evidence-based curriculum development and evaluation strategies that generate novel, high-quality evidence to inform Canadian research training. This platform will provide structured, flexible, and combined virtual/in-person curricula for diverse groups of healthcare professionals and patients/families who want to engage in research on life-threatening diseases. The platform will rely on strong partnerships between committed acute care health organizations, public/industry allies, family/patient partners, and educational bodies.