This is to introduce Research Readiness (or R², pronounced R-squared). R² is our attempt to bring to clinicians and other interested health professionals as well as students weekly training sessions that will augment our skills in conducting research. Based on our needs assessment worldwide, it appears such an initiative may be of value and utility in general. Initially, we will begin by offering basic but fundamental training in the understanding of research terminology, utilization and interpretation.

We will start simple (which may be boring for those of you who are experts) and gradually augment the degree of difficulty and sophistication. We will make it relevant by drawing from familiar examples in our clinical or laboratory environment. Yes, as clinicians, sometimes we receive lab results that may seemingly be conflicting but are measurably consistent. Or, perhaps a different instrument or lab provided a second set of results. It is important that we understand the appropriate research tools to draw upon in making these distinctions. These are pertinent questions that keep us on our toes and sharpen our mind as we try to find answers. They also improve our ability to manage patients better.

Amongst us are those who are passionate about research but are in need of research training that does not disrupt their work flow. Through this basic weekly forum, we will attempt to provide the fundamentals of research that over time will elevate our basic understanding of how to approach research, utilize research tools correctly, and hopefully, conduct research with full confidence.

The format for this forum will involve the following basic steps:

• I will introduce a term of the week, discuss it and provide one or multiple examples which you will receive via an e-mail.
• I will also send the question of the week based on the current week’s topic of interest. Usually, the question will be in a multiple choice format
• All you have to do is to click on the option you consider to be the right response (A, B, C or D)
• Once you submit your response, you will be able to view the right answer with a brief and relevant explanation.

I hope this will be a stepping stone to more advanced research courses in the future. Welcome on board!

Creator and Founder of ©R²

Hamisu Salihu, MD, PhD