The Inteleos Research Network (IRN) is a collection of educational institutions and researchers who partner with Inteleos on a variety of research projects to explore potential solutions by leveraging and testing emerging technologies. The IRN will employ dedicated project-based teams working with Participating Research Centers, individual researchers and Inteleos vendor partners to design and execute pilot programs researching the impacts of potential educational and assessment solutions.

Interested in becoming part of the IRN?
Learn more about our Partnership Opportunities.

The Benefits of Working with the Inteleos Research Network

  • Global Leader in Certification 
    • Inteleos has a long history of promoting high standards in healthcare with over 140,000 certified individuals and offering 18 healthcare certifications in 31 specialties.  
  • Technological Leadership and Access 
    • Be at the forefront of applying emerging technology in healthcare learning and assessment. 
    • Primary technology needed for your involvement in IRN projects will be provided to students or practitioners in cost effective ways. 
  • Global Impact 
    • Our providers care for over 1,500,000 patients globally each day. 
  • Recognized ISO Organization  
  • Leverage Inteleos Expertise 
    • Work with Inteleos experts in diverse fields to accomplish your research goals, ensure compliance with Inteleos practice standards, and help refine your product/solution. 
  • Acknowledgement 
    • Approve and be recognized in publications or presentations related to research involving your center and be acknowledged on the IRN website, enhancing your institution’s reputation as an innovator in healthcare education. 

Partnership Opportunities

Participating Research Centers (PRCs)

Participating Research Centers (PRCs) work with Inteleos on various IRN projects and are welcome to invite Inteleos collaboration on their own projects. As projects become available at Inteleos, a Call for Participation will be sent to enrolled/interested PRCs that provides project details. Research projects are supported by a team of dedicated Inteleos experts, as needed per project.

Minimum Criteria

  • Participants 
    • Centers should have a minimum of 10 learners per year and least 2 faculty members or clinical supervisors participating with input and leadership for a 3-year (renewable) commitment. 
  • Technological Readiness 
    • Have the infrastructure to support any technology required for specific projects, potentially including hardware and software capabilities. 
  • Educational Commitment 
    • Demonstrate a strong commitment to healthcare education and continuous learning, with established programs in Inteleos related fields. 
  • Research Capability 
    • Possess the ability to conduct and participate in research, including having staff or faculty with experience or interest in research methodologies. 
  • Collaborative Spirit 
    • Be willing to engage in a collaborative partnership, sharing insights, and contributing to the broader goals of the Inteleos Research Network. 

Individual Researchers

Individual Researchers may be students, practitioners, or educators in an Inteleos-related discipline. They serve as Principal Investigators exploring diverse projects and questions. Researchers may be invited to participate in select Inteleos studies through open calls for participation with specific project details, or may invite Inteleos participation in their own research projects. 

Minimum Criteria

  • Participants 
    • Individual Researchers should have demonstrated research expertise and/or should work with a senior faculty/practice member who has relevant experience.  
  • Proposal Readiness 
    • If submitting a research proposal for collaboration with the IRN, the proposal must be well-documented and must align with Inteleos and/or Council missions.  
  • Educational Commitment 
    • Demonstrate a strong commitment to healthcare education, technology integration, and continuous learning. 
  • Collaborative Spirit 
    • Be willing to engage in a collaborative partnership, sharing insights, and contributing to the broader goals of the IRN. 

Vendor Partners

Vendor Partners work with Inteleos on various IRN projects and are welcome to invite Inteleos collaboration on their own research. If you have a joint research project you’d like to propose, please complete the IRN Interest Form (linked) and we will be in touch. 

Proposal Criteria 

  • We are interested in products or visions that advance global healthcare education and access. Proposals must align with Inteleos and/or Council missions.  
  • Solutions of interest to the IRN must be scalable, sustainable, and have a demonstrable impact. 
  • Proposals should clearly outline the anticipated role of both entities, expected outcomes, a business/revenue model, timelines, a rough budget, and any existing funding sources or plans to pursue funding for the research. 
  • Must express a collaborative spirit and a willingness to engage in a partnership that will benefit both your company and Inteleos, with an openness to sharing insights and contributing to the broader goals of the healthcare community.

Current/Recent IRN Projects

Virtual Reality (VR) for Sonography Education, Training, and Assessment

Inteleos is working with a team of experts to create cutting-edge VR educational experiences, define scoring parameters, and broaden community education and awareness. The VR experiences will initially focus on abdominal sonography, but plans are underway to extend into obstetrics and beyond. 

Select PRCs are beta’ing early versions and providing input on VR usability and effectiveness in the Fall of 2024, helping to shape the integration of VR into education and assessment pathways for sonography students, ultimately impacting certification and continuing education for sonographers.

Simulation in Sonography Education Survey

The 2024 Simulation in Sonography Education survey aimed to better understand the use of simulation in today’s sonography education programs. 

Between March 14 and April 30, 2024, 4,497 sonography educators were invited to take a survey on the use of simulation in sonography education. 552 people responded, indicating a 12.27% response rate.

Key Results:  While slightly more than half of sonography educators are currently using simulation, perceptions about the use of simulation in sonography were positive. Many users who don’t use simulation currently plan to do so in the future. Barriers to simulation adoption in sonography educational settings include cost and lack of trained faculty. Interest in VR is emerging, with a significant portion of respondents open to exploring its potential. 

Simulation Usage: 53.9% of respondents currently use simulation, primarily for skills practice and scenario-based learning. Effectiveness is rated highly, though cost and faculty training are notable barriers. 

Future Plans: 44.9% of non-users plan to integrate simulation, motivated by the potential to enhance practice opportunities and reinforce classroom concepts. 

For additional information, please contact Elizabeth Santana, Inteleos Director of Conceptual Research & Design.

Proposed Future IRN Research Opportunities
2024-2027

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

  • Generative AI: LLMs, image and video generation
  • AI and NLP integration into other technologies

Extended Realities (XR)

  • Spatial computing and digital experiences
  • VR/MR/AR

Medical Simulation

  • Realistic simulation tools
  • Environmental-fit solutions
  • Real life, 2D, XR, and AI possibilities

Architecture

  • Blockchain
  • Data provenance, ownership, and security
  • Systems integration

Futures Thinking

  • Driving cultural changes
  • Digital literacy
  • Technology ethics

Inteleos Research Network Partners