Qualitative Training Institute for Enhancing Cancer Research (CancerQTI)

Qualitative research methods are valuable tools in oncology research because they allow investigators to delve into the human experience of cancer, uncover patient and provider perspectives, and explore complex issues surrounding the disease. Qualitative research is particularly valuable for studying socially and ethically sensitive topics in oncology and enhancing patient- and family-centered care. Yet, many of those conducting oncology research do not have training in qualitative research methods. Thus, the lack of qualitative training coupled with the potential benefits of employing qualitative method in cancer research leaves a knowledge and skill gap that is the focus of the proposed cancer research education program, Qualitative Training Institute for Enhancing Cancer Research (CancerQTI). CancerQTI is a six-month hybrid skills development program to increase knowledge and utilization of state-of-the-science qualitative research methods to address the prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and continued care of cancer. CancerQTI is designed to provide the foundation for clinician scientists and oncology researchers to use rigorous qualitative research methods to enhance their cancer research programs. The overarching goal of CancerQTI, led by the Qualitative and Patient-Reported Outcomes Shared Resource (Q-PRO) of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, is to increase the use of rigorous qualitative research methods to address the prevention, screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and continued care of cancer. Utilization of qualitative methods in oncology research has the potential to improve outcomes for cancer patients and their families. Program objectives are: (1) Recruit and enroll 25 oncology researchers annually into CancerQTI; (2) Utilize adult learner concepts from Kolb’s Experiential Learning Theory to provide participants with training and knowledge to increase their skills and use of state-of-the-science qualitative methods; (3) Provide mentoring to program participants five months post-training to support participants application of qualitative methods to their own research; (4) Assess long-term outcomes through a participant reporting system to track utilization of qualitative research methods among program participants; and (5) Conduct ongoing course evaluation and refinement to continually improve the program. CancerQTI, a cancer-specific training program for increasing the use of qualitative methods, has the potential to augment the success of research across the cancer care continuum. This state-of-the-science training program will improve the ability of participants to conduct high- quality qualitative research to prevent, diagnose, and treat cancer, ultimately decreasing the burden of cancer. Q-PRO is well-poised to deliver this unique, comprehensive, cancer-focused, national qualitative research training program. Project Number: 1R25CA302442-01A1 | Fiscal Year: 2026 | NIH Institute/Center: National Cancer Institute (NCI) | Principal Investigator: Erin Sutfin | Institution: WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES, WINSTON-SALEM, NC | Award Amount: $323,623 | Activity Code: R25 | Study Section: Special Emphasis Panel[ZRG1 BTC-P (80)] View on NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11335476