Comprehensive Advancement in Research Education and Training for Social Determinants of Health (CARES) - This proposed R25 program, Comprehensive Advancement in Research Education and Training for Social Determinants of Health (CARES), at the Yale University School of Nursing is designed to address existing gaps in the education and training of nursing researchers in Social Determinants of Health (SDOH). The purpose of this program is three-fold: First, to orient emerging researchers to recognize, appreciate, and incorporate into their research concepts and principles of SDOH that influence and shape individual and population health. Second, research methods will be provided and developed toward disentangling multiple policy and program influences and their health effects. Third, approaches will be shared and developed toward structural interventions on these upstream factors as they influence health. The curriculum is intensive and includes the development of academic and community networks, which are designed to accelerate them becoming established investigators. The education and training activities are in three segments that surround an intensive summer research residency. The first segment involves a monthly online introduction (over five months) to key concepts and frameworks for SDOH research. The second is a month-long intensive in-residence (in-person and hybrid) Summer Institute that delves into research method topics while networking with and mentoring and culminating in a proposal concept development. The third segment is regular and on-demand coaching with mentors and SDOH research community-building with CARES cohorts through engagement in an active online network hub during and post-program. The outcome of the program is the delivery of the SDOH research courses, with an expansion of a social network of researchers that manifests peer-reviewed publications and competitive grant proposals. With our recruitment plan (via targeted social network and professional and academic networks), we will host three training cohorts (6-8/cohort) of early career nursing scholars over the three-year program period. Eligibility and selection for the program include the applicant’s research interest on SDOH research, evidence of institutional support, and a match of CARES’ mentor and scholar’s interests. Evaluation includes ongoing assessment of progress, mentoring, and productivity as reviewed by the Steering Committee and the External Advisory Board. Innovative aspects of the program include a focus on interdisciplinary, simulation-based, and community-based training and mentoring approach. The CARES program is grounded in the Healthy People 2030 framework and the NIH SDOH Research Framework and seeks to establish a robust foundation in SDOH research, synthesize evidence across disciplines, enhance research methodology competencies, and cultivate effective participant engagement and ongoing support strategies. Ultimately, the CARES program will empower nurse researchers to conduct rigorous and impactful SDOH research and promote population health.
