Impact of a residency research program on research activity, faculty involvement, and institutional cost.
BACKGROUND
The impact of residency research programs on resident research activity, faculty involvement, and institutional cost has not been well described.


METHODS
A strategy to increase resident research activity was implemented in a community-based internal medicine residency program. Strategy components included a resident research director, a research elective, cost reimbursement, and a research requirement. Associated outcomes of research activity, faculty involvement, and institutional cost are described.


RESULTS
The annual number of research submissions increased from 0 to 39 over 6 years. The greatest increase in number of research submissions was seen following the dual implementation of the cost reimbursement and research requirement interventions. The annual number of faculty coauthors rose from 0 to 24 in 6 years. Average cost per accepted project was US 1,023.00 dollars.


CONCLUSIONS
The strategy described was associated with a marked increase in resident research activity and faculty involvement. The cost of supporting resident research activity is significant.
Fischer
Jacqueline L
JL
Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, Peoria, Illinois 61637, USA. jlf@uic.edu
Cation
Lannie J
LJ
D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005180:Faculty, Medical; D007388:Internal Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007396:Internship and Residency; D012106:Research; D012577:Schools, Medical / Q000191:economics*; D014481:United States