Research Mentorship Program (RMP) to Enhance the Research Productivity in a Psychiatric Hospital: First Report

Background: Despite rapid movement in student research in recent years, there is still little evidence that shows the impact of studentsʹ activities on research productivity. In this RMP (Research Mentorship Program), we have tried to create a link between medical students with little experience and the professors in the field of medicine. This research was led by a group of medical students who are highly experienced in research. The aim of this study has been to evaluate the impact of the RMP on research productivity. Methods: The Research Mentorship Program began in July 2009 and the program continued for 6 months. After that initial period, the results were evaluated following another 18 months. Some of the interventions included: introducing the RMP to the students; student meetings of the RMP; meetings with the professors; designing a psychiatric history and mental status examination checklist; and research workshops. Results: In eleven semi years, the research productivity scores were evaluated, including eight semi years before interventions and 3 semi years after it. The results show a significant increase in the research productivity score after the RMP in comparison to the research productivity score before it (P-value=0.047). The mean RPS before the RMP was 16.56±7.30 and the score changed to 28.16±7.94 after the RMP. Conclusions: This study shows that with suitable interventions the student researcher’s have the potential to increase research productivity.