The ESICM Research Learning Pathway is a new initiative from the ESICM, which aims to support the development of the next generation of critical care researchers.
This pathway allows a progressive build from the basic introduction to research and research methods for participants with little or no post-graduate research experience to the more advanced level which may be of specific interest to those with more research experience who want a refresher or need focused training on a specific topic. It covers the range of knowledge and skills required to embark on a career as an intensive care researcher.
Pathway beneficiaries have access to a dedicated online classroom available on the ESICM Academy.
Registrations for Level 3 closed
- Andrew CONWAY MORRIS MD, MRC – Clinician Scientist, University of Cambridge; Hon Consultant in Intensive Care Medicine, Addenbrookes Hospital, Cambridge, United Kingdom; Chair, Infection Section, ESICM
- Nathan D. NIELSEN M.D., M.Sc., FCCM – Associate Professor of Medicine and Pathology; Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine & Section of Transfusion Medicine and Therapeutic Pathology, University of New Mexico School of Medicine; Executive Editor – European Society of Intensive Care Medicine (ESICM) Academy
Endorsement: This Course is endorsed by the Research Committee of ESICM.
The Research Learning Pathway consists of a blended learning scheme involving online self-study, virtual courses and research projects. The three levels include:
- Level 1 “Introduction to critical care research” first undertaken in December 2021-January 2022 and culminated in a well-received two-day virtual course.
- Level 2 “Nuts and bolts of critical care research design” commenced in late 2022 and culminated in a two-day virtual course in March 2023.
- Level 3 “Development and design of a critical care research project” will commence in mid-2023 with a Kick-off virtual meeting in July 7, 2023
Participants can subscribe for the full pathway or can take levels separately, according to their previous experience and preferences.
Overall Aim: the aim of the course is to provide an educational resource for intensive care trainees, qualified intensivists and allied health professionals who want to learn how to conduct and appraise research in intensive care.
Overall Objectives:
- To provide an introduction to research and research methods for participants with little or no post-graduate research experience
- Over time, to develop a modular system which will allow both a progressive build from the basic introduction and modules which may be of specific interest to those with more research experience who want a refresher or need focused training on a specific topic.
- To cover the range of skills and knowledge required to embark on a career as an intensive care researcher
Level 1 “Introduction to critical care research” includes
- Online self-study
- Module 1: Introduction to Research in ICU
- Module 2: Data analysis and statistics – partner with data science
- A 2-day e-Course
This level is currently closed. To be re-launched in 2024. For more information see Level 3, currently open for registration.
Level 2 “Nuts and bolts of critical care research design” aims to offer a more advanced approach and will include:
- Online self-study
- Module 3: How to read, write and review a paper – partner with ICM
- Module 4: Systematic reviews – partner with SRG
- Module 5: Applying for Funding
- A 2-day e-Course
This level is currently closed. For more information see Level 3, currently open for registration.
Level 3 “Development and design of a critical care research project” is distinct from the previous two levels in that it moves from being an interactive teaching phase to practical work. At this level, participants are expected to develop a research proposal up to the point of being ready to submit the project for funding. Faculty involvement will shift from teaching to a mentorship role, supporting and guiding participants in developing a research proposal in their chosen area.
Kick-off meeting: July 7, 2023
The first part of this level will be a virtual Kick-off meeting on July 7, 2023, where the participants will be introduced to each other and their designated mentor(s). At this meeting, expectations around participation and eventual outcome (a project ready for funding submission) will be set and the project initiated.
Online work – Proposal development
From July to October 2023, participants will be expected to meet online to discuss and develop their project proposal. They will be expected to have completed a literature review in their chosen area, refined their research question and put together a project proposal at the level of detail expected for an ESICM project award.
LIVES 2023 meeting
The research pathway comes to its final fruition at the LIVES 2023 meeting in Milan (Italy). On October 22, 2023, a one-day Face-to-face mentor-mentee meeting will consist of some teaching but mostly will be dominated by a presentation and critique of the participants’ research projects. The aim of the session will be to give Level 3 participants an opportunity to gain experience in presenting and defending a research project whilst also gaining expert advice from an experienced panel of researchers who have both applied for funding and sat on funding awards bodies. The panel will be composed of ESICM researchers who have not been involved in mentoring the participants so as to maintain independence.
Online work – Proposal presentation
After the LIVES 2023 face-to-face meeting, mentors and mentees will communicate to assess progress on various elements of the research proposal. This support will culminate with a follow-up virtual event for the presentation of final research proposals and proposed submission targets by early 2024.
Proposal submission
The Research Learning Pathway will be complete with the proposal submission by participants during the ESICM funding cycle in 2024.
Timeline
- Identification of the area of research and type of project
- Kick-off virtual event: July 7 from 15:00 to 17:15 CEST
- Face-to-face mentor-mentee meeting on October 22, 2023, at LIVES Milan
- Mentors and mentees will communicate to assess progress on various elements of the research proposal: late 2023
- Follow-up virtual meeting between mentor and mentees for the presentation of final research proposals, proposed submission targets: early 2024
- Proposal submission during funding cycle 2024
This learning pathway aims to provide an educational resource for intensive care trainees, qualified intensivists, intensive care nurses and allied health professionals who wish to learn how to conduct and appraise research in intensive care.
Join the programme if you wish to:
- Improve your knowledge and skills required to embark on a career as an intensive care researcher
- Meet colleagues and experts from all over the world
- Exchange best practices and learn from each other
- Join our network of researchers and contribute to more evidence-based projects
IMPORTANT! A total of 5 places will be offered for FREE to participants coming from Low and Lower Middle Income Countries (LMIC), as per the World Bank classification. If you are interested to apply for an LMIC place, send us your letter of interest and CV to education@esicm.org. Applicants from LMIC may be selected for a maximum of 3 ESICM eCourses for FREE every year. Applicants who have participated in 1 eCourse as a free LMIC applicant need to have an active ESICM membership for the current year before applying again. Deadline for LMIC applications: June 7, 2023.
