Utilizing Group Concept Mapping for Program Development and Evaluation of T32 Graduate Training Programs Focused on Increasing Trainee Diversity

We focus on how our findings inform diversifying graduate training programs and how evaluators can use group concept mapping to facilitate program development and evaluation of programs aimed at increasing diversity. We utilized group concept mapping with 22 T32 program directors nationwide to identify actions to increase trainee diversity. Directors were in IDeA (n=7) and non-IDeA (n=15) states, as well as AAU (N=12) and non-AAU member institutions (n=10). Directors generated 49 statements completing the following: “A specific way in which T32 faculty operationalize diversity in the context of program recruitment and/or in the training of a diverse AND highly trained workforce to assume leadership roles in biomedical, behavioral, or clinical research is…”, sorted statements into meaningful categories, and rated statements regarding both effectiveness and difficulty for “operationalizing diversity.” We will present our process, statements and categories generated, and ratings of effectiveness and difficulty of those statements for increasing trainee diversity.