CIHR Training Program in Bridging Scientific Domains for Drug Safety and Effectiveness

Medications, when used optimally, are a key management strategy in health promotion, disease prevention, and acute and chronic disease management, especially for older adults. However, little is known about the real world effectiveness of many therapies currently in widespread use. Part of this gap stems from the lack of research that engages the various disciplines involved in the drug development, prescribing, and use systems. Researchers skilled in health research design, molecular and clinical pharmacology, biostatistics, health services research, behavioural sciences and health technology assessment, are essential to the drug discovery, use and policy system in Canada and around the world. The goal of this training program is to provide an innovative, multidisciplinary training environment for future scientists in Canada with a focus on integrating the generation and use of drug effectiveness, safety, and adverse event data into everyday clinical practice and policy. The program will focus on training individuals who will be leaders and practitioners in the research methods that are required to impact the use of medications for older adults in the real world. The main objectives of this training program are to: 1) create an innovative training program that links complementary disciplines at both trainee and mentor levels; 2) provide a rich learning environment that is content and research method focused; 3) increase the use of multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approaches towards drug safety and effectiveness research; 4) provide tangible opportunities to develop collaborative research skills; 5) foster the development of professional skills through direct opportunities to learn and practice these skills; and 6) incorporate knowledge translation learning and activities at all stages of the training program.