title: Research training in integrative medicine: how can we make teaching and learning in research methods more sustainable and engaging?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this project was to identify strategies for increasing learner engagement and knowledge retention in clinical research training of complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) practitioners, and to offer a conceptual framework to address clinical research training for CIM practitioners.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a featured large-group discussion (15min presentation and 30min discussion), two questions (strategies that are recommended to overcome these barriers; relevant aspects for a framework for building sustainable knowledge) were put to the audience. The sample consisted of 43 participants at the International Congress of Educators in Complementary and Alternative Medicine, in Washington, DC, in October 2012. The featured discussion was moderated and detailed notes were taken. Notes were synthesized and discussed by both authors until consensus was reached. Based on the results from the featured discussion session and a focused literature search, a framework for building sustainable knowledge and skills in clinical research for CIM practitioners was developed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants' responses to the questions of engagement and sustainability included curricular structures, pedagogical strategies for instruction, the use of digital tools to extend the learning experience, the necessity to ground instruction firmly in the medical literature of the field, and the relevance of mentoring. Key considerations for building sustainable knowledge in clinical research for CIM practitioners are as follows: (1) prioritizing clinical research training, (2) issues of curriculum and pedagogy, (3) technology/digital tools, (4) administrative challenges, (5) supporting the formation of communities of practice, and (6) cultural perspectives of CIM practitioners.
authors.affiliation: Institute for Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; University of Maryland School of Medicine, Center for Integrative Medicine, Baltimore, MD; The Institute for Integrative Health, Baltimore, MD. Electronic address: claudia.witt@charite.de.
authors.forename: Claudia M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Witt
authors.forename: Shelly Rafferty
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Withers
mesh_terms: D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000193:education*; D000529:Complementary Therapies / Q000193:education*; D032921:Consensus; D003479:Curriculum; D018961:Educational Technology; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D055048:Integrative Medicine / Q000193:education*; D007858:Learning; D008611:Mentors; D011361:Professional Competence; D012107:Research Design; D013663:Teaching
keywords: Medical education; integrative medicine; research training; skills