Developing a research program in a community teaching hospital

Background: Our hospital is a community teaching hospital in a large metropolitan center, affiliated with a major academic institution. This descriptive study analyzes the effect of a strategy designed to increase research productivity (as measured by the rate of peer-reviewed publications) in our institution. Description: A hospital-wide committee on medical education and research was formed to survey human and material resources, and oversee research activities in the various departments. Departmental research subcommittees were organized to identify and implement research programs within each department, reporting regularly to the hospital committee. Evaluation: A research seminar was organized by the hospital Research Committee. Of the 65 abstracts that were submitted, 28 were accepted for presentation in the seminar; 14 of these studies were accepted for publication in peer-reviewed journals. The partial results of 2 of these studies also led to policies that directly improved patient care and reduced hospital costs. Conclusions: The institution of a research seminar, directed by a network of research committees, is a successful strategy for stimulating research and improving patient care in a community-based teaching hospital. Effective leadership and encouragement from the Board of Trustees, the administration, and departmental chairpersons is essential to the successful implementation of such a program.