(6) Substance Abuse Research Education and Training Program (SARET)

Background: Innovative initiatives to build the ranks of health professionals engaged in conducting substance use (SU) research are needed. The NIDA-funded inter-professional Substance Abuse Research Education and Training (SARET) program aims to stimulate dental, medical, nursing, social work, and public health students’ interest and pursuit of careers in substance use research through exposure to its two main components: stipend-supported mentored research and an online curriculum. In 2019, SARET implemented a companion Visiting Mentor Development Program (VMDP) to foster the creation of similar substance use research programs at institutions across the U.S.

Methods: We evaluated the long-term impact of SARET research program participation with a survey emailed to all past student participants in 2020-2021. The survey assessed involvement in substance use research and the influence of SARET on expanding knowledge of substance use etiology, screening, and treatment. We additionally tracked student participants’ presentations, publications, and career trajectories. For VMDP participants, quarterly phone call with SARET leaders assessed their progress in developing and implementing SU mentored research programs in their home institutions.

Results: Students: Since its start in 2007, 142 students participated in SARET’s mentored research program. The survey was sent to 126 participants having valid emails, and 91 responses were collected (72% response rate). Respondents reported that SARET increased interest in SU research (n=86, 95%); increased knowledge of SU and SU research (n=88, 97%); and expanded research skills (n=85, 93%). 40 (44%) are somewhat-very involved in research; 22 (24%) are somewhat-very involved in SU research; 42 (46%) have authored professional publications; and 38 (42%) are still in contact with SARET mentor. Mentorship students additionally reported positive impact on their vision of SU-related clinical care and more positive attitudes about research and interprofessional collaboration. Visiting mentors: The
VMDP program has hosted 10 visiting mentors, of which 3 (30%) have implemented pilot inter-disciplinary SU mentored research programs at their home institutions.

Conclusions: The SARET program has stimulated enduring SU research interest and resulted in some early research successes among student participants. The VMDP program shows promise as a model for fostering the development of interdisciplinary SU mentored research programs at other institutions.

References: Hanley K, Bereket S, Tuchman E, et al. Evaluation of the Substance Abuse Research and Education Training (SARET) program: Stimulating health professional students to pursue careers in substance use research. Subst Abus. 2018;39(4):476-483. doi:10.1080/08897077.2018.1449167

-As this is a program evaluation, we based our methods and analysis on a previous program evaluation.