JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

The National Research Mentoring Network (NRMN) is an NIH funded program to diversify the STEMM research workforce through providing mentoring, networking, and professional development resources. NRMN provides mentoring resources to members through its online platform, MyNRMN.

Objective:

MyNRMN helps members build a network of mentors. Our goal is to expand enrollment and mentoring connections, especially among those historically underrepresented in biomedical training and the biomedical workforce.

Methods:

To improve ease of enrollment, we implemented split testing of iterations of our user interface for platform registration. To increase mentoring connections, we developed multiple features that facilitate connecting via different pathways.

Results:

Our improved user interface yielded significantly higher rates of completed registrations. Our analysis showed improvement in completed enrollments using Version 1 compared to the Legacy (OR=1.52, 95% CI 1.30, 1.78). Version 2, with its simplified, one-step pro-cess, and fewer required fields, outperformed the Legacy (OR=2.18, 95%CI 1.90, 2.50). By improving the enrollment form, the MyNRMN enrollment increased from a 57.3% completion rate in the Legacy form to a 74.5% completion rate with the Version 2 form. Our newly developed features delivered an increase in connections between members.

Conclusions:

MyNRMN’s technical efforts expanded its membership base and increased connections between members. Other platforms can learn from these efforts regarding how to increase enrollment among underrepresented groups and foster continuing, successful engagement.