scholarly journals Strengthening the core health research capacity of national health systems helps build country resilience to epidemics: a cross-sectional survey

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 583
Author(s):  
Rony Zachariah ◽  
Dermot Maher ◽  
Abraham Aseffa ◽  
Mahnaz Vahedi ◽  
Pascal Launois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Research ◽  
Health System ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sort It ◽  
Training Programmes

Background:  TDR, The Special Programme for Research and Training hosted at the World Health Organization, has long supported Low- and Middle-Income Countries in strengthening research capacity through three training programmes: the Postgraduate Training Scheme (PGTS), the Clinical Research and Development Fellowship (CRDF), and the Structured Operational Research Training InitiaTive (SORT IT). In the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, we assessed whether those trained through these programmes were involved in the COVID-19 response and if so, in which area(s) of the emergency response they were applying their skills. Methods: From the records for each training programme, we identified the individuals who had completed training during the relevant timespan of each programme: 1999-2018 for the CRDF scheme, 2015-2020 for PGTS, and 2009-2019 for SORT-IT. Between March and April 2020, we sent trainees an online questionnaire by e-mail. Results: Out of 1254 trained, 1143 could be contacted and 699 responded to the survey. Of the latter, 411 were involved with the COVID-19 response, of whom 315 (77%) were applying their acquired skills in 85 countries. With some overlap between programmes, 84% of those trained through CRDF were applying their skills in 27 countries, 91% of those trained through PGTS were applying their skills in 19 countries, and through SORT IT, this was 73% in 62 countries.  Skills were being applied in various areas of the emergency response, including: emergency preparedness, situation analysis/surveillance, infection control and clinical management, data generation, mitigating the effect of COVID on the health system, and research.  Depending on the type of training programme, 26-74% were involved in implementation, operational or clinical research. Conclusion: Research training programmes build research capacity and equip health workers with transferable core competencies and skillsets prior to epidemics. This becomes invaluable in building health system resilience at a time of pandemics.

scholarly journals Strengthening the core health research capacity of national health systems helps build country resilience to epidemics: a cross-sectional survey

F1000Research ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 583
Author(s):  
Rony Zachariah ◽  
Dermot Maher ◽  
Abraham Aseffa ◽  
Mahnaz Vahedi ◽  
Pascal Launois ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Research ◽  
Health System ◽  
Emergency Response ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Core Competencies ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
World Health ◽  
Sort It ◽  
Training Programmes

Background:  TDR, The Special Programme for Research and Training hosted at the World Health Organization, has long supported Low- and Middle-Income Countries in strengthening research capacity through three training programmes: the Postgraduate Training Scheme (PGTS), the Clinical Research and Development Fellowship (CRDF), and the Structured Operational Research Training InitiaTive (SORT IT). In the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, we assessed whether those trained through these programmes were involved in the COVID-19 response and if so, in which area(s) of the emergency response they were applying their skills. Methods: From the records for each training programme, we identified the individuals who had completed training during the relevant timespan of each programme: 1999-2018 for the CRDF scheme, 2015-2020 for PGTS, and 2009-2019 for SORT-IT. Between March and April 2020, we sent trainees an online questionnaire by e-mail. Results: Out of 1254 trained, 1143 could be contacted and 699 responded to the survey. Of the latter, 411 were involved with the COVID-19 response, of whom 315 (77%) were applying their acquired skills in 85 countries. With some overlap between programmes, 84% of those trained through CRDF were applying their skills in 27 countries, 91% of those trained through PGTS were applying their skills in 19 countries, and through SORT IT, this was 73% in 62 countries.  Skills were being applied in various areas of the emergency response, including: emergency preparedness, situation analysis/surveillance, infection control and clinical management, data generation, mitigating the effect of COVID on the health system, and research.  Depending on the type of training programme, 26-74% were involved in implementation, operational or clinical research. Conclusion: Research training programmes build research capacity and equip health workers with transferable core competencies and skillsets prior to epidemics. This becomes invaluable in building health system resilience at a time of pandemics.

scholarly journals Ten years of NIHR research training: perceptions of the programmes: a qualitative interview study

BMJ Open ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. e046410
Author(s):  
Paula Burkinshaw ◽  
Louise D Bryant ◽  
Caroline Magee ◽  
Peter Thompson ◽  
Lisa Ann Cotterill ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Allied Health Professionals ◽  
North West ◽  
North East ◽  
Qualitative Interview Study ◽  
Research Careers ◽  
Training Programmes

ObjectivesThe UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) training programmes were created to build and sustain research capacity in healthcare. Following the training programme 10-year strategic review, this qualitative study aimed to deepen understanding of facilitators and barriers for those progressing through NIHR-supported research careers.DesignSemistructured qualitative study.Data collection and analysisTelephone interviews conducted between May and August 2017 were digitally recorded, transcribed and analysed using Framework Approach.SettingUK National Health Service (NHS) Trusts, university medical schools, District General Hospitals, Integrated Academic Training Programme centres and Research Design Services across the North East, North West, South East and South West of England, London and the Midlands.ParticipantsFourteen women and eight men, of whom, 14 were previous or current NIHR personal awardees (seven doctors and seven allied health professionals (AHPs) or nurses) and eight were managers (staff within clinical or university training-related roles).Results(1) NIHR awards were viewed as transformative for research careers; (2) however, there were perceptions of a biased ‘playing field’. (3) Inequalities were perceived for AHPs and nurses, those outside of established research institutes and those in ‘unfashionable’ specialisms. (4) While support for NIHR awards contributed to a healthy research culture, (5) short-term awards were perceived as a barrier to continuing an independent research career.ConclusionsParticipants perceived many strengths of the NIHR training programmes in terms of developing individual careers and research capacity. Areas in which improvement could enhance the ability to attract, develop and retain researcher were identified. Our findings are of relevance to schemes in other countries, where healthcare researchers experience similar challenges. Further work is needed to overcome barriers and ensure equity of access to, and success within, clinical research training schemes to sustain the research workforce needed to address future global health challenges.

scholarly journals Investing in Operational Research Capacity Building for Front-Line Health Workers Strengthens Countries’ Resilience to Tackling the COVID-19 Pandemic

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (3) ◽  
pp. 118
Author(s):  
Rony Zachariah ◽  
Selma Dar Berger ◽  
Pruthu Thekkur ◽  
Mohammed Khogali ◽  
Karapet Davtyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Health System ◽  
Operational Research ◽  
Health Workers ◽  
Human Resources For Health ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Data Generation ◽  
Sort It ◽  
It Skills

(1) Introduction. The Structured Operational Research and Training IniTiative (SORT IT) supports countries to build operational research capacity for improving public health. We assessed whether health workers trained through SORT IT were (1) contributing to the COVID-19 pandemic response and if so, (2) map where and how they were applying their SORT IT skills. (2) Methods. An online questionnaire survey of SORT IT alumni trained between 2009 and 2019. (3) Results. Of 895 SORT IT alumni from 93 countries, 652 (73%) responded to the survey and 417 were contributing to the COVID-19 response in 72 countries. Of those contributing, 307 (74%) were applying their SORT IT skills to tackle the pandemic in 60 countries and six continents including Africa, Asia, Europe, South Pacific and North/South America. Skills were applied to all the pillars of the emergency response with the highest proportions of alumni applying their skills in data generation/analysis/reporting (56%), situation analysis (55%) and surveillance (41%). Skills were also being used to mitigate the health system effects of COVID-19 on other diseases (27%) and in conducting research (26%). (4) Conclusion. Investing in people and in research training ahead of public health emergencies generates downstream dividends by strengthening health system resilience for tackling pandemics. It also strengthens human resources for health and the integration of research within health systems.

Research capacity development and training

2008 ◽  
Vol 13 (3_suppl) ◽  
pp. 6-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina Ramkalawan ◽  
Paul Dieppe
Keyword(s):  
Research Training ◽  
Capacity Development ◽  
Skills Training ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Generic Skills ◽  
Real Value ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
The Uk ◽  
And Training ◽  
Research Capacity Development

The HSRC was awarded a large core grant specifically for research capacity development and training, with the aim of facilitating future high quality HSR in the UK. This was used to pursue three main areas of activity. First, the provision of small grants to facilitate the development of new work, help create new, multidisciplinary groupings and support junior researchers. Of the various schemes discussed, the research initiation grants (max £6000) and workshop awards (max £3000) appear to have been particularly valuable. Second, appoint cohorts of PhD students to pursue four-year training programmes (rather than the traditional three years), during which they received individualized research training and development opportunities with an emphasis on both multidisciplinary HSR training and generic skills training, as well as pursuing their own research projects. Third, improving research training opportunities by developing networks for research staff at various stages in their careers and organizing workshops and courses in specialist HSR subjects, and for generic skills training. The premature closure of the HSRC prevented us from fully evaluating these initiatives and, arguably, their real value will not be apparent for some years. However, we believe that the programme was successful and that it went some way to helping us break out from the traditional, entrenched approaches to research training, and to helping us think of research capacity development as being as important as doing the research itself. But much more remains to be done.

scholarly journals Clinical research training of Peruvian neurologists: a baseline assessment

2010 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 6
Author(s):  
Gian Carlos Navarro-Chumbes ◽  
Silvia Margarita Montano-Torres ◽  
Alberto Díaz-Vásquez ◽  
Joseph Raymond Zunt
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Research ◽  
Research Methodology ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Capital City ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Additional Training ◽  
Perceived Needs ◽  
Funding Opportunities

In Peru, despite a strong clinical research infrastructure in Lima, and Masters degree programs in epidemiology at three universities, few neurologists participate in clinical research. It was our objective to identify perceived needs and opportunities for increasing clinical research capacity and training opportunities for Peruvian neurologists. We conducted a descriptive, cross-sectional survey of Peruvian neurologists in Lima and Arequipa, Peru. Forty-eight neurologists completed written surveys and oral interviews. All neurologists reported interest in clinical research, but noted that lack of time and financial resources limited their ability to participate. Although most neurologists had received some training in epidemiology and research design as medical students or residents, the majority felt these topics were not adequately covered. Neurologists in Arequipa noted international funding for clinical research was uncommon outside the capital city of Lima. We concluded that clinical research is important to Peruvian neurologists. The three main barriers to increased participation in clinical research identified by neurologists were insufficient training in clinical research methodology, meager funding opportunities, and lack of dedicated time to participate in clinical research. Distance learning holds promise as a method for providing additional training in clinical research methodology, especially for neurologists who may have difficulty traveling to larger cities for additional training.

Improving African health research capacity

2010 ◽  
Vol 38 (6) ◽  
pp. 670-671 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey V. Lazarus ◽  
Samantha A. Wallace ◽  
Jerker Liljestrand
Keyword(s):  
International Development ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Western Europe ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Critical Mass ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Development Cooperation ◽  
Sub Saharan Africa ◽  
Research Issues

The issue of strengthening local research capacity in Africa is again high on the health and development agenda. The latest initiative comes from the Wellcome Trust. But when it comes to capacity development, one of the chief obstacles that health sectors in the region must confront is the migration of health professionals to countries that offer more lucrative opportunities, like those in western Europe. To combat this ‘‘brain drain’’, already back in 1984, the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida) created a training programme in which healthcare professionals from Africa conducted the bulk of their research in their own countries. However, the model was only partly successful. Several years ago, we assessed the preconditions for the renewal of Sida support for research and research training activities in the region. Based on our work to develop a critical mass of beneficial research capacity in the countries of sub-Saharan Africa, this article suggests several recommendations to both donors and governments that have broad application for general health research issues in the region.

scholarly journals Strengthening health system building blocks: configuring post-COVID-19 scenario in Pakistan

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Babar Tasneem Shaikh
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Developing Countries ◽  
Health System ◽  
Emergency Preparedness ◽  
Virus Disease ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
World Health ◽  
The Government

Abstract Aim: To gauge the level of preparedness of health system of Pakistan in the wake of Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Background: The global COVID-19 outbreak and its subsequent repercussions and implications, after being declared as a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), exposed all the inherent, lingering, and acute shortcomings of the health systems in many developing countries and Pakistan was no exception. Methods: A detailed literature review was done which included peer-reviewed articles on COVID-19 and health system, published in local and international journals, WHO and World Bank’s publications, and the documents and official reports of the government. Focus was to glean and cite strategies adopted by the developing countries in response to COVID-19 and to see the applicability of those which are feasible for Pakistan. Findings: Level of preparedness was minimal and the response to manage the outbreak was weak. Based on toll of the cases and number of deaths, this public health threat turned out to be a catastrophe beyond the controlling authority and capacity of the health system, and hence other sectors and agencies had to be engaged for devising a concerted and integrated response to deal with the emergency. Governance was disorderly, financing was inadequate, human resources were not trained, supplies and logistic were not stocked, information system was patchy, and research capacity was limited, and most of all the service delivery was in a biggest chaos of times. COVID-19 demanded to re-configure the health system of Pakistan. Conclusion: Improving the emergency preparedness of the hospitals is the foremost and an urgent need. A strong national public health system in Pakistan is needed to rapidly investigate and analyze the reports, assess the magnitude of the public health risk, share real-time information, and implement public health control measures in a concerted and systematic demeanor.

scholarly journals ‘I have learnt to love the child and give opportunities to play with peers’: A feasibility study of the training programme to support parents of young children with visual impairment in Malawi

2018 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 210-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul Lynch ◽  
Melissa Gladstone ◽  
Michael McLinden ◽  
Graeme Douglas ◽  
Emma Jolley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Child Development ◽  
Young Children ◽  
Visual Impairment ◽  
Feasibility Study ◽  
Complex Interventions ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Childhood Development ◽  
World Health ◽  
Specialist Teachers ◽  
Training Programmes

This is a first mixed-methods study, which created, adapted and tested the feasibility of a training programme targeted at parents, community professionals, specialist teachers and volunteers to provide advice on developmental stimulation for children with visual impairment in their homes in rural and urban settings of Malawi. The study followed guidance from the Medical Research Council Framework for Developing and Evaluating Complex Interventions and drew on a bioecological model to help understand the feasibility of a new intervention in Malawi for 30 children with visual impairment and their carers in three districts of Southern Malawi. We trained 14 community workers and specialist teachers, then piloted the programme, which we linked to Care for Child Development (a World Health Organization/United Nations Children’s training package), over 6 months. In total, 10 observations were carried out to measure fidelity of the intervention at the child’s home. Acceptability was accessed through 20 post-intervention interviews and a focus group discussion with carers. Findings show that the new programme enabled workers and parents to be more positive towards their children with disabilities, improving relationships and responsiveness in their interactions. Drawing on the findings of the feasibility study, outcomes identified for a trial include measures of communication, child development, family care environment, participation and inclusion. This study has significance in providing a methodology that can be drawn upon to develop similar training programmes for use with children with a wider range of disabilities. The article has particular relevance to institutions and organisations working in early childhood development in that it provides a model to aid the development of tailored training programmes for children with visual impairment. It puts forward a table of 10 key messages on how best to prepare young children with visual impairment for life at school and for life after school.

scholarly journals Going virtual for research training during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: e-SORT IT

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (09.1) ◽  
pp. 3S-6S
Author(s):  
Hayk Davtyan ◽  
Karapet Davtyan ◽  
Anthony D Harries ◽  
Anthony Reid ◽  
Garry Aslanyan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Capacity Building ◽  
Health Program ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Web Based ◽  
Sort It ◽  
Building Model ◽  
Professional Networking ◽  
Hands On ◽  
And Training

The Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) model has contributed to building research capacity and has produced evidence for improving public health program performance in countries with limited research capacity. The model involves hands-on mentorship and consists of three modules/weeks. It is recognized to be an innovative research capacity building model. In a world changed by COVID-19, where bringing people together is not viable, an innovative, interactive, web-based, knowledge-transfer platform (e-SORT IT) for virtual implementation of SORT IT modules was created. The platform design imitated the residential course as closely as possible with the same lectures, plenary sessions, and breakout rooms. Despite the challenges, the platform performed well and even though participants and mentors were located in eight different time zones, the course was successful; 90% of participants achieved their milestones and 10 manuscripts were successfully completed. Participant evaluation revealed a satisfaction level that was nearly equivalent to the residential module. However, mentor evaluation indicated a number of shortcomings including capacity building, professional networking, communication, engagement, and contribution by participants, as well as overall module success. In conclusion, COVID-19 stimulated the creation of the e-SORT IT platform that provided a functional alternative to the residential version. Despite the limitations of reduced capacity building and networking, the e-SORT IT platform should be considered a success – it delivered the goods. This is an example of innovation and flexibility, two attributes that are sorely needed to maintain activities during the pandemic and beyond.

Palliative Medicine Specialist Trainee Research experience, interest and opportunities: a national survey

2021 ◽  
pp. bmjspcare-2020-002609
Author(s):  
Donna Wakefield ◽  
Felicity Dewhurst ◽  
Jonathan Koffman ◽  
Charlotte Chamberlain
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Research ◽  
Palliative Medicine ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Training Programme ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Research Experience ◽  
Clinical Supervisors ◽  
Personal Time ◽  
Research Supervision ◽  
The Uk

ObjectivesDespite the acknowledged benefits of research, Palliative Medicine receives minimal research funding and has few dedicated research training posts. This study investigated the opportunities and barriers to participating in research for the current cohort of UK Palliative Medicine Specialist Trainees (PMSTs), to better understand the opportunities to improve evidence-based practice within the specialty.MethodsTwo surveys, one for PMSTs and a second for training programme directors (TPDs), were developed. Surveys were piloted and then reviewed by the UK Palliative trainee Research Collaborative and the Palliative Medicine Specialty Advisory Committee (SAC) before distribution. All current PMSTs and TPDs representing all of the UK training regions (n=13) were invited to complete the appropriate survey.ResultsOverall, 85% (11/13) and 45% (102/225) of TPDs and PMSTs responded, respectively. Almost all (92%) PMSTs reported that they were either ‘very interested’ or ‘quite interested’ in taking part in clinical research. PMSTs generally felt that educationaland clinical supervisors were supportive of them taking part in research; however, few (35%) believed they had access to personnel with adequate research experience to provide practical support. Opportunity for appropriate research supervision varied considerably by training region. Where research was being conducted, it was often conducted in trainees’ personal time due to the wide regional variation in dedicated research time.ConclusionDespite significant interest in clinical research and support by TPDs and clinical supervisors, access to experienced researchers and equitable protected research time by region needs urgent attention to enhance progress in evidence-based palliative medicine.

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