Optimizing Military Physician Assistant Research: A Deliberate Approach to Digital Knowledge Management

Introduction The U.S. Army-Baylor University Doctor of Science in Physician Assistant Studies programs requires the student to complete and defend a research project. Although the main intent of the 3 programs is for the student to develop clinical skills for military medical service in austere locations, self-directed learning around research was distracting from clinical experiences. The purpose of this project was to revise the curricula for the 3 doctorate-level research courses, to better support students in designing and conducting a research protocol and support students in conducting more rigorous research projects. Overview and Project Steps The curriculum redesign was guided by Kern's 6-step framework: (1) problem identification and general needs assessment, (2) targeted needs assessment, (3) goals and objectives, (4) educational strategies, (5) implementation, and (6) evaluation and feedback. After assessing the curricula in place at the time, we clarified the course goals and objectives and curated a digital research resources library to support the mentored experiential learning already in place. The new curricula were implemented, and evaluation and feedback are ongoing. Conclusions This project used Kern's 6-step process to revise curricula for a series of doctorate-level research courses by using a shared knowledge management platform and curating a research resources digital library. The new content will better support the students in designing and conducting a research protocol and will ultimately support conducting more rigorous projects that directly impact the U.S. military. Aspects of the curricula, such as the digital research resources library, may be helpful to other programs with modifications to meet their specific needs.