Mixed-methods evaluation of family medicine research training and peer mentorship in Lesotho.

Chelsea M Mcguire,Sebaka Malope,Christina P.C Borba,Brian Jack,Kaitlyn Riffenburg

doi:10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2387

Abstract

BackgroundStrengthening primary care research capacity is a priority globally. Family medicine training programmes in sub-Saharan Africa represent an important opportunity to build primary care research; however, they are often limited by insufficient research training and mentorship. Peers can be used to extend research mentorship capacity, but have not been evaluated in this context.AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate one family medicine training programme’s research capacity building efforts through a blended research curriculum and peer mentorship.SettingLesotho is a landlocked country within South Africa of approximately two million people. The Family Medicine Specialty Training Programme (FMSTP) is the only accredited postgraduate medical education programme in Lesotho.MethodsThis two-year mixed-methods evaluation used: (1) Likert-scale surveys measuring trainee research confidence, (2) written evaluations by trainees, peers, programme faculty and administrators and (3) in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Survey data were analysed using Friedman and sign tests. Interview and written data were analysed thematically via a mixed inductive-deductive approach using Cooke’s framework.ResultsFamily Medicine Specialty Training Programme trainees (n = 8) experienced moderate increases in research confidence that were statistically significant. Skill-building occurred primarily via experiential learning. Research was grounded in trainees’ clinical practice and locally relevant. A positive research culture was created, promising for sustainability. We identified infrastructure gaps, including funding and protected time. Peer research mentorship supported trainees’ motivation and provided a safe space for questions.ConclusionThe FMSTP research curriculum and peer mentorship programme were successful in positively impacting a number of Cooke’s research capacity domains. This evaluation identified improvements that are now being implemented.

Highlights

Engaging in health research is important for identifying and prioritising the health needs of a population
All three peers invited to participate in the evaluation are female and are from the United States
The evaluation demonstrated that Family Medicine Specialty Training Programme (FMSTP) research curriculum and peer mentorship programme were successful in positively impacting a number of Cooke’s research capacity building domains.[16]

Summary

Introduction

Engaging in health research is important for identifying and prioritising the health needs of a population. The lack of health research capacity in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) hinders their ability to respond to the needs of their communities.[1] This is especially true for primary care research in LMICs.[2] Health research capacity building, or strengthening, is defined by Lansang et al as the ‘ongoing process of empowering individuals, institutions, organizations and nations to define and prioritise problems systematically, develop and scientifically evaluate appropriate solutions, and share and apply the knowledge generated’.1,3. Medicine postgraduate training programmes in sub-Saharan Africa have recognised the importance of research training as a necessary part of their curricula. Medicine training programmes in sub-Saharan Africa represent an important opportunity to build primary care research; they are often limited by insufficient research training and mentorship. Peers can be used to extend research mentorship capacity, but have not been evaluated in this context

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Discussion

Conclusion