ASPO Abstracts
2020 Impact on Research Productivity Survey: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program (GMaP)
Category: COVID-19 and Cancer
Conference Year: 2021
Abstract Body:
Purpose: The Geographic Management of Cancer Health Disparities Program is a national program funded by the
National Cancer Institute's Center to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities (CRCHD). The seven GMaP regions use a
multipronged engagement approach to increase recruitment/retention of diverse investigators and to strengthen
professional development. This survey was designed to assess if and how the events of 2020 (COVID, racial or
political unrest, others) impacted current research productivity, applications for future funding, and publication
submission. Methods: A REDCap survey was sent out to each of the GMaP regional listservs in October 2020 and
was completed by 150 researchers by early stage (71, 50.0%) and established investigators (36, 25.4%). Half
(51%) identified as a non-white race, and 17.8% identifying as Hispanic or Latino. Responses were recorded via 6
point Likert scale (No Impact, Minimal, Neutral, Significant Impact, Work Stoppage, Expanded Scope) and allowed
for qualitative responses. Summary of Results: COVID impact on current research was "Significant or Work
Stoppage†for how it affected institutional support (53.1%), access to communities for research (71.5%), and
personal challenges (60.2%). Systemic racism/social unrest was identified as Significant Impact to 49%, along
with 53.7% by local/national politics. About 1/5 (18.2%) indicate they plan to submit for future funding on the next
grant cycle, and 43.2% still plan to apply but at an undetermined date. Qualitative responses provided profound
examples of the difficulties researchers have experienced in 2020. Respondents indicated that pilot awards
(65.4%) and research support awards (60.3%) are the best methods to support their career development.
Recommendations: The GMaP network with its regional approach is well placed to continue to support the career
development needs of their researchers. Throughout 2020 GMaP has quickly pivoted to opening their trainings
and workshops to national audiences, adapting their travel awards to research support/registration awards, and
supplying virtual opportunities for networking. These data further inform and enhance specific GMaP program
offerings, and help us better advocate for our researchers at the institutional and national level.
Keywords: COVID, Racism, Impact, Productivity, GMaP