Abstract

With the increasing complexity of biomedical research, biostatisticians are essential components of multidisciplinary research teams. Recognition of the importance of their roles has driven their evolution from number crunchers to strategic thinkers and leaders, but their training is often focussed on technical and statistical knowledge, leaving competencies required for leadership and collaboration lacking. Africa, with its high disease burden providing rich opportunities for research, faces a shortage of trained biostatisticians. To increase capacity within the African region, Stellenbosch University, South Africa, implemented a MSc program in Biostatistics, with a dedicated module on Biostatistics Collaboration. This presentation shares how learning and assessment of the key collaboration and leadership skills takes place, aligned with the three core principles on which the module is based: mentorship, multidisciplinary approach and experiential learning.
Learning is accomplished using a combination of discussions with experienced biostatisticians, interviews with those working in academia, government or industry, evidence-based demonstrations of the principles at work, and practical approaches to improving communication and relationships using the ASCCR (Attitude, Structure, Content, Communication and Relationship) framework. Students role play scenarios to practice the skills in class, culminating in their planning, conducting and assessing a real-world collaboration meeting. Thereafter, students undergo a three month mentored internship program where they put their collaboration skills into practice.
The course has been running for eight years and graduates have successfully progressed to PhD studies and positions in industry, and academia. Results of a short survey to assess the impact of this course on graduates’ careers are also presented.