Reimagining mentorship: A hybrid online professional community for interinstitutional clinical research coordinators and nurses

Abstract

Clinical Research Coordinators (CRCs) and Clinical Research Nurses (CRNs) work across decentralized, multisite environments with limited access to interinstitutional collaboration, peer connection, peer-led professional development, and mentorship. A needs assessment identified strong demand for community-based mentoring supported by a digital infrastructure. We developed and implemented a hybrid, digitally supported mentorship program across a large Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) hub. The ADDIE model-informed program combined group mentoring, co-mentoring circles, and centralized resources delivered through an institutionally supported Microsoft Teams platform. Program outcomes were evaluated using the Kirkpatrick Model across three cohorts ( n = 133), incorporating satisfaction, learning, behavioral, and engagement indicators. Participants reported high satisfaction, a strong sense of online professional community, and meaningful engagement. Self-reported research competency and mentoring skills improved using the Center for the Improvement of Mentored Experiences in Research (CIMER) curricula, with most participants indicating increased knowledge, skill application, and confidence aligned with Joint Task Force (JTF) for Clinical Trial Competencies. Digital engagement metrics, including participation and recognition mechanisms, demonstrated sustained engagement across sites. These findings suggest that hybrid, digitally supported mentorship models offer scalable approaches to professional development, mentoring, and leadership skill building for CRCs and CRNs working across multiple research settings.