Developing a research program in a community teaching hospital

Background: Our hospital is a community teaching hospital in a large metrop olitan center, affiliated with a major academic institution. This descripti ve study analyzes the effect of a strategy designed to increase research pr oductivity (as measured by the rate of peer-reviewed publications) in our i nstitution. Description: A hospital-wide committee on medical education and research wa s formed to survey human and material resources, and oversee research activ ities in the various departments. Departmental research subcommittees were organized to identify and implement research programs within each departmen t, reporting regularly to the hospital committee. Evaluation: A research seminar was organized by the hospital Research Commi ttee. Of the 65 abstracts that were submitted, 28 were accepted for present ation 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 o f research committees, is a successful strategy for stimulating research an d 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 implementati on of such a program.