Clinical Research | National Institutes of Health | University of Calgary | Ethics and Quality Improvement | Students
Training and education are key elements to a researcher’s work. Below are a few resources to aid in maintaining and increasing research knowledge.
High quality research is performed by highly qualified staff. AHS as a partner of the Alberta Clinical Research Consortium endorses the following training recommendations for researchers and research staff.
Training courses are open to AHS employees by registering online with the CITI Program. The CITI program has been developed and vetted by the organization N2 (Network of Networks). All courses available on CITI meet Canadian standards. The Good Clinical Practice course is recognized by 12 major pharmaceutical companies.
Courses available include:
AHS is a member of N2 and has made N2 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) available to AHS-affiliated researchers and staff. Contact research.administration@ahs.ca for more information.
The NIH provides training opportunities internally, as well as at universities and other institutions across the country.
The Office of Continuing Medical Education and Professional Development offers the following annual courses:
The Health Research Methods Online Course provides an introduction to methods for undertaking health research. The entire health research process is described, beginning with the identification of a research question and the selection of a study orientation, proceeding through the collection and analysis of data, and ending with communication and dissemination of the research.
Biostatistics Workshops (Levels 1 & 2) include an introductory course in basic statistical concepts and methods, as well as an advanced course of discussion and practical application of the presentation of statistical methods and results for publication.
A Project Ethics Community Consensus Initiative (ARECCI) helps practitioners, agencies and organizations identify and mitigate ethical risks in program evaluations, quality improvement projects, needs assessments, health innovations and knowledge translation.
People assume that research studies pose ethical risks, but may not make the same assumption about quality improvement, program evaluation, needs assessment, and knowledge translation projects. However, the risks in these projects can be the same as those in research. The ARECCI framework helps project leads and teams address and mitigate these risks.
Courses are available for AHS staff through MyLearningLink.
Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI)
The IHI offers online courses (audio and video) in quality improvement.
Panel of Research Ethics - Government of Canada
Training in the use and application of the Tri-Council Policy Statement 2 (TCPS 2)
Training opportunities for Students
Students bring energy, enthusiasm and a strong desire to learn about health research. AHS is committed to providing a rich learning environment for students seeking training in research and evaluation.
High school students, undergraduates and graduate students have all worked in our research areas. Our teams develop and deliver research-learning opportunities in partnership with our academic partners. Our goal is to support students to develop research and evaluation skills that improve the health and well-being of all Albertans. We advocate for scientific rigour, evidence-based best practice and advancement of research priorities within AHS.
Students working on research projects may be included in many important research steps, from study design and data collection, to data analysis and interpretation. Students work under the supervision of a member of AHS staff and/or a faculty member of a post-secondary institution.
Learn more about Students Placements within AHS for research. You can also explore the Capacity Development Platform as part of the Alberta’s SPOR SUPPORT Unit.
