Precision mentoring (PM): a proposed framework for increasing research capacity in health-related disciplines

Figures & data

Table 1. Topics used to assess research barriers and facilitators for NI, ESI and UMF. Below is a list of topics we have used to guide discussions about factors related to research productivity in pre- and re-assessment of NI, ESI and UMF

Barriers/Facilitators
PERSONAL
Personal Accountability
Time management skills/experiences
Work/life balance issues
Sense of connection/isolation in university/unit
Experiences of bias and discrimination
Power dynamics in unit/university/mentoring
Career planning skills
Leadership Skills
Resilience, grit and personal resources
INTERPERSONAL
Strategies for expanding professional network/research collaborators
Advocacy for diversity and cultural humility within university/unit
Negotiation skills in team research settings
Managing a research team (peers, students, trainees, research coordinators etc.)
TECHNICAL
Manuscript writing skills
Grant writing skills
Statistical analysis skills
Designing and delivering professional presentations
Marketing and graphic design skills
INSTITUTIONAL
Access to Mentorship
Access to content, synthesis, and analytical expertise (research skill development)
Mentorship training & effectiveness
Research training and skill development
Research resources (lab space, graduate students, post-docs, lab technicians)
Support for professional activities (conference travel, networking)
Support for science culture (i.e., research in unit/university)
Teaching load reduction or buyout opportunities
Service load (Underrepresented Minority Faculty tax)
Understanding of promotion/tenure procedures
Succession planning after completion of mentoring program
Pre/post award support for sponsored projects
Culturally responsive mentoring and cultural humility emphasized within institution
Culturally responsive research training and education

Table 2. Sample research plan for NI, ESI or UMF

Research Mentoring Activities	Mentor 1				Mentor 2				Mentor 3				Mentor 4				Mentor 5
OVERALL GOAL 1: Publish a paper in area of expertise (may or may not separate multiple papers – depending on topic)	August	November	February	May	August	November	February	May	August	November	February	May	August	November	February	May	August	November	February	May
IRB submission/approval	X			X		X	X
Recruit subjects		X	X		X			X										X	X	X
Community Connections		X			X			X										X	X	X
Mixed Methods Analysis knowledge	X		X
Collaborator and Network Builder	X	X					X	X					X			X
Knowledge of Manuscript Submission and Re-submission Process			X	X									X	X
OVERALL GOAL 2: Submit NIH R01
Knowledge of Office of Sponsored Projects	X	X					X	X
Knowledge of and Experience with NIH funding		X	X	X	X
Content Knowledge	X		X			X		X	X	X			X	X	X	X
OVERALL GOAL 3: Manage time better and find more work/life balance
Also has caregiving responsibilities									X	X	X	X	X	X	X	X
Same ethnic or gender background													X	X	X	X
Time Management & Goals									X	X	X	X					X
Mentoring expert									X	X	X	X					X
OVERALL GOAL 4: Track & Evaluate Tenure Progress
Keep professional activity records up-to-date (annual evaluation/tenure review process)	X	X	X	X					X
Work to Lessen Implicit Bias	X					X			X	X	X	X			X					X

Process goals are listed below OVERALL GOALS.

Figure 1. Applying the precision mentoring framework to grant proposal development