Engaging Pharmacy Students in Research Through Near-Peer Training

Objective. To describe the implementation of a near-peer training model within a student research program. Methods. A near-peer training model was implemented in a pharmacy student research program to promote development of effective teaching skills and research competencies. Under the supervision of a research mentor, senior learners precepted junior learners in various aspects of translational research. A three-step teaching process was employed throughout the experience in which junior learners performed an assigned task, senior learners provided guidance and mentorship, and research mentors provided feedback for improvement. Results. A total of 43 pharmacy trainees have participated in the student research program; each year of involvement now averages 15 to 18 students. The program has been responsible for almost 100 poster presentations at national meetings and more than 20 manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals. Funding through intramural grants and scholarships to compensate for conference expenses and other functions has also been awarded. Conclusion. Near-peer teaching supports a tiered-research model under the supervision of a research mentor. For health care systems and colleges of pharmacy with established research programs or those seeking to implement new programs, near-peer teaching appears to be a promising strategy to promote the development of research competencies in pharmacist trainees.