Study management strategies to optimize student- and trainee-led collaborative research

The collaborative research model is a powerful approach to answering surgical research questions that empowers and inspires medical students and trainees. The Opioid PrEscRiptions and usage After Surgery (OPERAS) study is a student- and trainee-led international multi-centre prospective cohort study developed in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. In this article, we will discuss (i) how the OPERAS study was conceptualized and structured; (ii) the channels through which information and education were communicated to collaborators; (iii) how data was stored in a secure and user-friendly fashion and (iv) the lessons learned and expected goals for the future. We aim to describe how collaborative research studies can be designed to support early career researchers to make valuable contributions to the literature.

Automated summary

The collaborative research model is an effective approach for surgical research questions, empowering medical students and trainees. The OPERAS study, led by students and trainees, is an international multi-center prospective cohort study developed in Australia and New Zealand. This article discusses the conceptualization and structure of the study, communication channels for information and education, secure and user-friendly data storage, and lessons learned and future goals. The aim is to describe how collaborative research studies can support early career researchers in making valuable contributions to the literature.