Desarrollo e implementación de un curso de investigación para estudiantes de ciencias de la salud: una propuesta para estimular la producción científica

Abstract

Introduction: In Mexico, there is a low production of scientific papers in medicine. Evenmore, the research experience during the first years of medical school is limited. This raised the need to form researchers early in their professional training.

Method: A theory-practical course was offered during the academical summer (6 weeks) for 3 times. A total of 38 students participated (11 in 2012, 16 in 2013 and 11 in 2014). The objective was to provide knowledge on theory and practice to enable the development of a research project and take it up to publication. The course consisted in a theory section with in-person and online sessions, where the student learned the research fundamentals and protocol design applying critical thinking. Simultaneously, via close tutoring, the project teams were guided on developing and designing their protocol and conducting the research on the field, also data interpretation and writing of research paper for intention to publish.

Results: A total of 8 research projects were developed in clinical area. All projects have been presented in meetings, others are in the process of submission for publishing and one has been published.

Conclusions: This course gave the student the interest for research so that they can develop their own projects in the future. This course can be implemented in other academic fields with the purpose of creating more researchers and increasing the cientific production in Mexico.