EQUIPP Objectives & Goals:

The objectives of the EQUIPP Training Program are to:
1. Provide a formalized, comprehensive state-of-the-art training program in health-related qualitative methodologies.
Sponsored by an internationally authoritative institute (IIQM), EQUIPP uses a transdisciplinary approach to investigate the complex experiences and behaviors in health and illness, and implications for health services utilization. We frame the learning of various methodologies within the context of exist ing, ongoing research projects, for the purposes of knowledge transfer through dissemination, application, and evaluation.

2. Increase the capacity of the Canadian qualitative health research work force by 6-8 graduates each year.
By providing active researchers and leaders in qualitative methods to act as mentors and teachers in educational and health institutions across Canada, the EQUIPP program will provide an extraordinary resource to increase the future research capacity in Canada by enhancing the skills of researchers from across Canada and by attracting trainees from abroad.

From the outset of the program, qualitative methodologies will be explored and learned in the context of health care research, as faculty with international reputations work closely with trainees. Initial learning environments include courses, seminars, lectures, informal discussions, and international conferences. The hands-on emphasis continues into the Research Residency, where trainees are matched by mutual interest with EQUIPP mentors across Canada, with whom they will work on data collection and analysis related to the mentor's current health-related research project. Throughout this program, the emphasis is on learning by doing. Research experiences include research residencies, laboratory training, and the opportunity to address clinical problems on-site, acquiring research competencies and transferring knowledge into practice. An optional Year Two will give trainees the opportunity of conducting their own research project under the guidance of a mentor. In the second year, trainees will continue weekly seminar discussions of the project via WebCT and Web4M, and return to the IIQM for two intensive seminars: one in November to ensure data collection and analysis is proceeding, and one in April to refine theoretical development and writing/dissemination of the results. Taking advantage of group processes and interaction, these seminars will encourage collaboration and transdisciplinarity. Seminars will also provide time for interaction with participants in Year One. The international conferences and qualitative journals sponsored by the IIQM will be sources for dissemination of findings.