scholarly journals Implementation research training for learners in low- and middle-income countries: Evaluating behavior change after participating in a massive online open course

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Launois ◽  
Dermot Maher ◽  
Edith Certain ◽  
Bella Ross ◽  
Michael J. Penkunas
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programs and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed Kirkpatrick’s Model to evaluate training programs with a specific focus on post-training changes in behavior. Methods MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their IR knowledge and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1-1.5 years after completing the MOOC. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded. Results A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ IR knowledge had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently. Respondents most often cited changes in their conceptual understanding of IR and understanding of the research process as substantial areas of change influenced by participating in the MOOC. Conclusions These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and in contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.

scholarly journals Implementation Research Training for Learners in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Evaluating Behavior Change after Participating in A Massive Online Open Course

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Launois ◽  
Dermot Maher ◽  
Edith Certain ◽  
Bella Ross ◽  
Michael J. Penkunas
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programs and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed Kirkpatrick’s Model to evaluate training programs with a specific focus on post-training changes in behavior.Methods: MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their IR knowledge and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1-1.5 years after completing the MOOC. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded.Results: A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ IR knowledge had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently. Respondents most often cited changes in their conceptual understanding of IR and understanding of the research process as substantial areas of change influenced by participating in the MOOC.Conclusions: These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and in contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.

scholarly journals Implementation Research Training for Learners in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Evaluating Behavior Change After Participating in a Massive Online Open Course

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Launois ◽  
Dermot Maher ◽  
Edith Certain ◽  
Bella Ross ◽  
Michael J. Penkunas
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programs and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed Kirkpatrick’s Model to evaluate training programs with a specific focus on post-training changes in behavior.Methods: MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their IR knowledge and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1-1.5 years after completing the MOOC. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded.Results: A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ IR knowledge had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently. Respondents most often cited changes in their conceptual understanding of IR and understanding of the research process as substantial areas of change influenced by participating in the MOOC.Conclusions: These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and in contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.

scholarly journals Implementation Research Training for Learners in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Evaluating Behavior Change After Participating in a Massive Online Open Course

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Launois ◽  
Dermot Maher ◽  
Edith Certain ◽  
Bella Ross ◽  
Michael J. Penkunas
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programs and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of a massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by the World Health Organization on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed Kirkpatrick’s Model to evaluate training programs with a specific focus on post-training changes in behavior.Methods: MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their IR knowledge and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1-1.5 years after completing the MOOC. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded.Results: A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ IR knowledge had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently. Respondents most often cited changes in their conceptual understanding of IR and understanding of the research process as substantial areas of change influenced by participating in the MOOC.Conclusions: These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and in contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.

scholarly journals Implementation research training for learners in low- and middle-income countries: evaluating behaviour change after participating in a massive open online course

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pascal Launois ◽  
Dermot Maher ◽  
Edith Certain ◽  
Bella Ross ◽  
Michael J. Penkunas
Keyword(s):  
Professional Practice ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Online Course ◽  
Massive Open Online ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Massive Open Online Course ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background Implementation research (IR) can play a critical role in the delivery of disease control interventions, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). The growing demand for IR training has led to the development of a range of training programmes and university courses, the majority of which can not be accessed by learners in LMICs. This article reports on the evaluation of the massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases hosted by WHO on the topic of IR with a focus on infectious diseases of poverty. This study followed the Kirkpatrick Model to evaluate training programmes with a specific focus on post-training changes in behaviour. Methods MOOC participants were invited to take part in an anonymous online survey examining their knowledge of IR and how they applied it in their professional practice approximately 1–1.5 years after completing their course. The survey contained 43 open-ended, multiple choice and Likert-type questions. Descriptive statistics were calculated for the quantitative data and responses to the open-ended questions were thematically coded. Results A total of 748 MOOC participants responded to the survey. The demographic profile of the survey respondents aligned with that of the MOOC participants, with nearly 70% of respondents originating from Africa. Responses to the quantitative and open-ended survey questions revealed that respondents’ knowledge of IR had improved to a large extent as a result of the MOOC, and that they used the knowledge and skills gained in their professional lives frequently and had consequently changed their professional behaviour. Respondents most often cited the problem-solving aspect of IR as a substantial area of behavioral change influenced by participating in the MOOC. Conclusions These findings indicate that the MOOC was successful in targeting learners from LMICs, in strengthening their IR knowledge and contributing to their ability to apply it in their professional practice. The utility of MOOCs for providing IR training to learners in LMICs, where implementation challenges are encountered often, makes this platform an ideal standalone learning tool or one that could be combined with other training formats.

scholarly journals The impact of COVID-19 on the care of people living with noncommunicable diseases in low- and middle-income countries: an online survey of physicians and pharmacists in nine countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Bullen ◽  
Jessica McCormack ◽  
Amanda Calder ◽  
Varsha Parag ◽  
Kannan Subramaniam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Healthcare Workers ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
World Health ◽  
Noncommunicable Diseases ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Health Measures ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Abstract Background: The global COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted healthcare worldwide. In low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where people may have limited access to affordable quality care, the COVID-19 pandemic has the potential to have a particularly adverse impact on the health and healthcare of individuals with noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). A World Health Organization survey found that disruption of delivery of healthcare for NCDs was more significant in LMICs than in high-income countries. However, the study did not elicit insights into the day-to-day impacts of COVID-19 on healthcare by front-line healthcare workers (FLHCWs). Aim: To gain insights directly from FLHCWs working in countries with a high NCD burden, and thereby identify opportunities to improve the provision of healthcare during the current pandemic and in future healthcare emergencies. Methods: We recruited selected frontline healthcare workers (general practitioners, pharmacists, and other medical specialists) from nine countries to complete an online survey (n = 1347). Survey questions focused on the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on clinical practice and NCDs; barriers to clinical care during the pandemic; and innovative responses to the many challenges presented by the pandemic. Findings: The majority of FLHCWs responding to our survey reported that their care of patients had been impacted both adversely and positively by the public health measures imposed. Most FLHCs (95%) reported a deterioration in the mental health of their patients. Conclusions: Continuity of care for NCDs as part of pandemic preparedness is needed so that chronic conditions are not exacerbated by public health measures and the direct impacts of the pandemic.

scholarly journals Designing the next generation of implementation research training for learners in low- and middle-income countries

2021 ◽  
Vol 17 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Penkunas ◽  
Shiau Yun Chong ◽  
Emma L. M. Rhule ◽  
Evangelia Berdou ◽  
Pascale Allotey
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Research ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Training Model ◽  
Learning By Doing ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
System Level ◽  
High Quality Research ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractEfficacious health interventions tested through controlled trials often fail to show desired impacts when implemented at scale. These challenges can be particularly pervasive in low- and middle-income settings where health systems often lack the capacity and mechanisms required for high-quality research and evidence translation. Implementation research is a powerful tool for identifying and addressing the bottlenecks impeding the success of proven health interventions. Implementation research training initiatives, although growing in number, remain out of reach for many investigators in low- and middle-income settings, who possess the knowledge required to contextualize challenges and potential solutions in light of interacting community- and system-level features. We propose a realigned implementation research training model that centers on team-based learning, tailored didactic opportunities, learning-by-doing, and mentorship.

scholarly journals Barriers and facilitators to implementation of oral rehydration therapy in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. e0249638
Author(s):  
Obidimma Ezezika ◽  
Apira Ragunathan ◽  
Yasmine El-Bakri ◽  
Kathryn Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Oral Rehydration Therapy ◽  
Barriers And Facilitators ◽  
World Health ◽  
Successful Implementation ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Oral Rehydration ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Background Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is an effective and cheap treatment for diarrheal disease; globally, one of the leading causes of death in children under five. The World Health Organization launched a global campaign to improve ORT coverage in 1978, with activities such as educational campaigns, training health workers and the creation of designate programming. Despite these efforts, ORT coverage remains relatively low. The objective of this systematic review is to identify the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of oral rehydration therapy in low and middle-income countries. Methods A comprehensive search strategy comprised of relevant subject headings and keywords was executed in 5 databases including OVID Medline, OVID Embase, OVID HealthStar, Web of Science and Scopus. Eligible studies underwent quality assessment, and a directed content analysis approach to data extraction was conducted and aligned to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to facilitate narrative synthesis. Results The search identified 1570 citations and following removal of duplicates as well as screening according to our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 55 articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. Twenty-three countries were represented in this review, with India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa having the most representation of available studies. Study dates ranged from 1981 to 2020. Overarching thematic areas spanning the barriers and facilitators that were identified included: availability and accessibility, knowledge, partnership engagement, and design and acceptability. Conclusion A systematic review of studies on implementation of ORT in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) highlights key activities that facilitate the development of successful implementation that include: (1) availability and accessibility of ORT, (2) awareness and education among communities, (3) strong partnership engagement strategies, and (4) adaptable design to enhance acceptability. The barriers and facilitators identified under the CIFR domains can be used to build knowledge on how to adapt ORT to national and local settings and contribute to a better understanding on the implementation and use of ORT in LMICs. The prospects for scaling and sustaining ORT (after years of low use) will increase if implementation research informs local applications, and implementers engage appropriate stakeholders and test assumptions around localized theories of change from interventions to expected outcomes. Registration A protocol for this systematic review was developed and uploaded onto the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews database (Registration number: CRD420201695).

scholarly journals Mitigating Global Oral Health Inequalities: Research Training Programs in Low- and Middle-Income Countries

2020 ◽  
Vol 86 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Lucia Seminario ◽  
Timothy DeRouen ◽  
Mimansa Cholera ◽  
Jennifer Liu ◽  
Prathip Phantumvanit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oral Health ◽  
Health Inequalities ◽  
Training Programs ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Low And Middle Income

scholarly journals Increasing Knowledge Translation Capacity in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Model for Implementation Research Training

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael J. Penkunas ◽  
Evangelia Berdou ◽  
Shiau Y. Chong ◽  
Pascal Launois ◽  
Emma L. M. Rhule ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Implementation Research ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Grey Literature ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Modified Delphi ◽  
Health Expert ◽  
Low And Middle Income

Most health professionals lack the training and expertise to translate clinical innovations into actionable programs. Even though some public health expert communities understand that even widely proven solutions need to be adapted to the demands and characteristics of diverse health systems and societies to be successful, such knowledge has yet to inform routine public health approaches and practices. Therefore, it should not be a surprise that the “know-do” gap between clinical innovations and their on-the-ground application that implementation research seeks to bridge is pervasive and enduring, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. This article draws on a study of implementation research training courses to highlight the various competencies needed to translate different types of knowledge into action, many of which are not adequately addressed in existing curricula. We utilized a four-phase modified Delphi methodology that included a review of the academic and grey literature, one-on-one interviews with experts, virtual dialogue series with key stakeholders, and peer review of the synthesized results. The resulting areas in need of further development include the ability of learners to work as part of a multidisciplinary team, engage various stakeholders, and communicate research findings to decision-makers. Based on these insights, it is argued that knowledge translation in implementation research is a multi-faceted, multi-level sensemaking and communication activity that takes place throughout the research and research-to policy-processes.

scholarly journals The state of adolescent menstrual health in low- and middle-income countries and suggestions for future action and research

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Plesons ◽  
Archana Patkar ◽  
Jenelle Babb ◽  
Asanthi Balapitiya ◽  
Flo Carson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cultural Practices ◽  
Research Training ◽  
Clinical Care ◽  
The State ◽  
Human Reproduction ◽  
World Health ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Middle Income Countries ◽  
Menstrual Health ◽  
Low And Middle Income

AbstractIn recognition of the opportunity created by the increasing attention to menstrual health at global, regional, and national levels, the World Health Organization’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research and the UNDP-UNFPA-UNICEF-WHO-World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction convened a global research collaborative meeting on menstrual health in adolescents in August 2018. Experts considered nine domains of menstrual health (awareness and understanding; stigma, norms, and socio-cultural practices; menstrual products; water and sanitation; disposal; empathy and support; clinical care; integration with other programmes; and financing) and answered the following five questions: (1) What is the current situation? (2) What are the factors contributing to this situation? (3) What should the status of this domain of adolescent menstrual health be in 10 years? (4) What actions are needed to achieve these goals? (5) What research is needed to achieve these goals? This commentary summarizes the consensus reached in relation to these questions during the expert consultation. In doing so, it describes the state of adolescent menstrual health in low- and middle-income countries and sets out suggestions for action and research that could contribute to meeting the holistic menstrual health needs of adolescent girls and others who menstruate worldwide.

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