A Scientific and Technological Innovation System in a Cuban Hospital (2000–2014)

Abstract

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION Cuba’s science policy is grounded in a scientific and technological innovation system applicable to all institutions. In hospitals, the system should influence medical care and administrative and teaching processes, as well as promotion of scientific activity as such. OBJECTIVE Describe results of the Scientific and Technological Innovation System at the Dr Gustavo Aldereguia Lima University Hospital, the main provincial hospital in Cienfuegos, Cuba. METHOD This was a key informant survey and document review concerning the hospital’s scientific activity during 2000–2014. A questionnaire was administered to 22 key informants to select key indicators and area. Data on the hospital’s scientific activity related to these indicators were retrieved from hospital, provincial public health and scientific publishing databases. A second group of 35 key informants confirmed linkages between scientific outputs and the innovation system’s main activities. RESULTS The following were reported over the study period: sustained development of scientific human resources (40% grade II specialists, 30% master’s degree holders and 11.4% accredited academic researchers among the hospital’s professional staff), high scientific output (annual average of 445 studies completed, 118 publications and 203 projects under way) and high visibility (national and international recognition) of the hospital’s achievements in science and innovation. Key informants considered that results related to development of scientific potential were influenced by the following activities of the Scientific and Technological Innovation System: promotion of grade II specialty training, researcher accreditation and awarding of master’s degrees and PhDs in the sciences, development of an extensive continuing education program (for researchers and their mentors), public recognition of professionals with good scientific results, promotion of research and other scientific activities, and the requirement that professional and technical staff participate in national events sponsored by scientific societies. CONCLUSIONS Implementation of a Scientific and Technological Innovation System can contribute to a hospital’s scientific capacity and productivity.