P.I. Program
Program Description:
We will offer services using a 1:1 coaching model via phone calls and homework.
Our program, The Professional Skills for Researchers Coaching Program, will continue to address the same topics and skills, use the same highly-qualified faculty, and involve active learning. We will continue to foster skills in problem-solving, research team leadership and management, communication, and stress reduction and management. All modules will be tailored to the unique needs and situations of clients.
The program will require clients to complete the following:
- pre-assessments, including some worksheets aimed at measuring needs and roles
- a series of coaching calls (45 – 60 mins); we anticipate 6 calls on average, and all calls will be conducted using Zoom’s HIPAA-compliant platform (or similar Web meeting platform)
- a professional development plan (PDP), which will be partially executed during the coaching period
- homework assignments—readings, worksheets, and activities
The time commitment for clients is approximately 2 – 3 hours per week across an 8-week period. (This is approximately the same total number of hours as the original workshop model.)
The coaching relationship may be terminated if the client fails to: complete assignments, “show up” for scheduled calls, participate forthrightly, or engage in appropriate professional development activities. We do not provide refunds once assessments have begun except for reasons of documented personal illness.
The program cost is $3200.
Participants may register now and begin assessments immediately. We expect to launch coaching calls in September 2020. Clients may choose to start at that time or request a later start date.
To register please contact the Program Manager at integrity@wustl.edu or 314-747-4220.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who might use our services?
A variety of individuals have benefited from P.I. Program services, including….
- Researchers who find it challenging to balance scientific and compliance demands in today’s complex regulatory environments
- Researchers who have been investigated for noncompliance or misconduct and wish to move forward constructively
- Researchers with staff who have been investigated for noncompliance or misconduct, and want to learn how to provide strong professional leadership and oversight
At present, the coaching program is only available in English. Clients should have an adequate level of English oral proficiency to participate in phone calls and written proficiency to complete assignments and online assessments.
Feel free to email the Program Manager at integrity@wustl.edu or call 314-747-4220 to discuss the suitability of the program for you or for someone you wish to recommend to the program.
Is the Coaching Program appropriate for researchers in diverse fields?
Yes. Although the National Institutes of Health funded initial curriculum development, the program is appropriate for all kinds of investigators doing empirical research in funded research environments, including those working in the S.T.E.M., biomedical, and social sciences. However, we do not consider it appropriate for humanities scholars.
How does the program meet the diverse needs of researchers?
The program fosters skills in problem-solving, research team leadership and management, communication, and stress reduction and management. All modules are tailored to the unique needs and situations of each client. The program provides the opportunity to tailor learning and skill development to the needs of individual clients by utilizing individualized assessments, worksheets, personalized and situation-specific problem-solving, the development of a professional development plan, and a series of one-on-one coaching calls. We have also developed a secure website hosting a variety of development resources, which clients may access while enrolled in the program.
Is participation confidential?
Yes. To create a safe environment for sharing, to the fullest extent of law, the program will protect client data. We do the following to protect confidentiality:
- Use a HIPAA-compliant version of Zoom
- Prohibit anyone other than the client and coach from being on the calls, unless with permission in special circumstances
- Prohibit audio or video recording of calls by clients or program coaches
- Require clients and program coaches to sign a confidentiality agreement
- De-identify assessment data to be used for quality improvement efforts
- Send no information to third parties without client permission (as permitted by law)
- Send a detailed certificate of completion to any party at the request of the client. Receiving a certificate of completion means that the client satisfactorily completed all program requirements including: pre- and post-assessments, readings, assignments and worksheets, attendance at all coaching calls, and active participation in coaching calls. Beyond providing a certificate of completion, the program does not share evaluations of clients.
What information is collected about clients from institutions?
If clients identify an institutional official with whom they would like us to speak, we will contact that individual and conduct an enrollment interview. If clients do not wish for us to speak with an institutional official, we will do an enrollment interview with clients in order to be sure that the program addresses that their needs.
How was the program developed?
The program was initially developed by a team of experts in social, clinical, and industrial-organizational psychology, research ethics, medical remediation education, and research oversight. Development of the program has been funded by the National Institutes of Health (administrative supplement award to the Washington University CTSA grant UL1 RR024992). We continue to revise the program based on feedback and data from clients and coaches.
How does an individual sign up for the Professional Skills for Researchers Coaching program?
Please contact the Program Manager at integrity@wustl.edu or call 314-747-4220.
Can the coaching relationship be terminated?
The coaching relationship may be terminated if the client fails to complete assignments, “show up” for scheduled calls, participate forthrightly, or engage in appropriate professional development activities. We do not provide refunds once assessments have begun, except for reasons of documented personal illness.
Does the program share with institutions its curricular materials?
Curricular materials are for the use of clients during and following participation in the program. They are copyrighted and proprietary and are not to be distributed.