scholarly journals Advancing the science of health research capacity strengthening in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review of the published literature, 2000–2016

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (12) ◽  
pp. e018718 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Dean ◽  
Stefanie Gregorius ◽  
Imelda Bates ◽  
Justin Pulford
Keyword(s):  
Scoping Review ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Research Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Programme Planning

ObjectivesSubstantial development assistance and research funding are invested in health research capacity strengthening (HRCS) interventions in low-income and middle-income countries, yet the effectiveness, impact and value for money of these investments are not well understood. A major constraint to evidence-informed HRCS intervention has been the disparate nature of the research effort to date. This review aims to map and critically analyse the existing HRCS effort to better understand the level, type, cohesion and conceptual sophistication of the current evidence base. The overall goal of this article is to advance the development of a unified, implementation-focused HRCS science.MethodsWe used a scoping review methodology to identify peer-reviewed HRCS literature within the following databases: PubMed, Global Health and Scopus. HRCS publications available in English between the period 2000 and 2016 were included. 1195 articles were retrieved of which 172 met the final inclusion criteria. A priori thematic analysis of all included articles was completed. Content analysis of identified HRCS definitions was conducted.ResultsThe number of HRCS publications increased exponentially between 2000 and 2016. Most publications during this period were perspective, opinion or commentary pieces; however, original research publications were the primary publication type since 2013. Twenty-five different definitions of research capacity strengthening were identified, of which three aligned with current HRCS guidelines.ConclusionsThe review findings indicate that an HRCS research field with a focus on implementation science is emerging, although the conceptual and empirical bases are not yet sufficiently advanced to effectively inform HRCS programme planning. Consolidating an HRCS implementation science therefore presents as a viable option that may accelerate the development of a useful evidence base to inform HRCS programme planning. Identifying an agreed operational definition of HRCS, standardising HRCS-related terminology, developing a needs-based HRCS-specific research agenda and synthesising currently available evidence may be useful first steps.

scholarly journals Impact of Health Research Capacity Strengthening in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: The Case of WHO/TDR Programmes

2011 ◽  
Vol 5 (10) ◽  
pp. e1351 ◽  
Author(s):  
Happiness Minja ◽  
Christian Nsanzabana ◽  
Christine Maure ◽  
Axel Hoffmann ◽  
Susan Rumisha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Research ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Research Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Low And Middle Income

scholarly journals Managing health research capacity strengthening consortia: a systematised review of the published literature

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. e001318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nadia Tagoe ◽  
Sassy Molyneux ◽  
Justin Pulford ◽  
Violet I Murunga ◽  
Sam Kinyanjui
Keyword(s):  
Health Research ◽  
Research Effort ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Manual Search ◽  
Management Processes ◽  
Research Capacity Strengthening

BackgroundLocally relevant research is considered critical for advancing health and development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Accordingly, health research capacity strengthening (HRCS) efforts have intensified, increasingly through consortia. Yet, the knowledge base for managing such consortia is not well defined. This review aimed to ascertain the scope and quality of published literature on HRCS consortium management processes, management-related factors influencing consortium operations and outcomes, and the knowledge gaps.MethodsGiven the paucity of published HRCS literature, a ‘systematised review’ as outlined by Grant and Booth was conducted, modelling the systematic review process without restriction to research-based publications. A systematic search in PubMed and Scopus was carried out coupled with a manual search for papers using reference checking and citation searching. A quality appraisal of eligible articles using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was undertaken. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse the extracted data.ResultsThe search identified 55 papers, made up of 18 empirical papers and 37 commentaries focusing on consortium-based HRCS initiatives involving LMICs and reporting management-related data. The review indicates increasing efforts being made in the HRCS field in reporting consortia outcomes. However, it highlights the dearth of high-quality empirical research on HRCS consortium management and the nascent nature of the field with most papers published after 2010. The available literature highlights the importance of relational management factors such as equity and power relations in influencing consortium success, though these factors were not explored in depth. Operational management processes and their role in the capacity strengthening pathway were rarely examined.ConclusionFindings indicate a weak evidence base for HRCS consortium management both in terms of quantity and conceptual depth, demonstrating the need for an expanded research effort to inform HRCS practice.

Towards diaspora-driven research capacity strengthening in low- and middle-income countries: results from India and Nepal

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 221-228 ◽  
Author(s):  
Varshini Varadaraj ◽  
Anju Ranjit ◽  
Joseph Nwadiuko ◽  
Joseph Canner ◽  
Marie Diener-West ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Research Capacity ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Research Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Low And Middle Income

scholarly journals A scoping review of non-communicable disease research capacity strengthening initiatives in low and middle-income countries

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Tilahun Nigatu Haregu ◽  
Allison Byrnes ◽  
Kavita Singh ◽  
Thirunavukkarasu Sathish ◽  
Naanki Pasricha ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Communicable Disease ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
System Level ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Research Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Introduction As the epidemic of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is rapidly developing in low and middle-income countries (LMICs), the importance of local research capacity and the role of contextually relevant research in informing policy and practice is of paramount importance. In this regard, initiatives in research capacity strengthening (RCS) are very important. The aim of this study was to review and summarize NCD research capacity strengthening strategies that have been undertaken in LMICs. Methods Using both systematic and other literature search, we identified and reviewed NCD-RCS initiatives that have been implemented in LMICs and reported since 2000. Information was extracted from published papers and websites related to these initiatives using a semi-structured checklist. We extracted information on program design, stakeholders involved, and countries of focus, program duration, targeted researchers, disease focus, skill/capacity areas involved and sources of funding. The extracted information was refined through further review and then underwent a textual narrative synthesis. Results We identified a number of different strategies used by research capacity strengthening programs and in the majority of initiatives, a combination of approaches was utilized. Capacity strengthening and training approaches were variously adapted locally and tailored to fit with the identified needs of the targeted researchers and health professionals. Most initiatives focused on individual level capacity and not system level capacity, although some undoubtedly benefited the research and health systems of LMICs. For most initiatives, mid-term and long-term outcomes were not evaluated. Though these initiatives might have enhanced research capacity in the immediate term, the sustainability of the results in the long-term remains unknown. Conclusion Most of NCD-RCS initiatives in LMICs focused on building individual capacity and only a few focused explicitly on institutional level capacity strengthening. Though many of the initiatives appear to have had promising short-term outcomes, evidence on their long-term impact and sustainability is lacking.

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