Navigating Research Challenges: Collaborative Insights from a Research Retreat During a Healthcare Emergency in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has faced significant damage from natural disasters and the COVID-19 pandemic, disrupting clinical services and scientific research logistics. In response, the RCMI-CCRHD Program at the UPR-MSC organized a retreat with the objective of understanding the challenges faced by its research network during the pandemic and strategies to overcome them. The retreat featured presentations on COVID-19 supplemental projects and included a discussion group. Twenty attendees identified the challenges they encountered and the strategies developed through an open-ended question and a satisfaction survey, implementing a mixed-method approach. We performed a content analysis on the open-ended survey questions and used descriptive statistics for the satisfaction survey. Key challenges included remote work implementation, recruitment difficulties, and mental health concerns. Attendees shared actions taken to address these issues, such as modifying protocols for remote planning and using digital platforms for improving communication. They also recognized opportunities that arose from remote work, which allowed them to focus on publishing and adapting mental health support tools. The retreat received positive feedback, with 93.8% of attendees giving a five-star rating. By reflecting on these experiences, investigators can refine strategies and implement effective solutions. Recommendations include flexible IRB protocols, improved digital tools, community involvement, and robust emergency preparedness plans.