Capacity Building Framework Research Articles

Looking toward 2030: Strengthening midwifery education through regional partnerships.

The purpose of this paper is to describe the impact of a regional capacity-building project between Thailand and Laos that supports the United Nation's sustainable development goal 3 through midwifery education. Discussion paper based on an exemplar. The International Confederation of Midwifery's standards of midwifery education and World Health Organization midwifery educator core competencies provided the framework for capacity-building of Lao midwifery educators. Knowledge gained from this 2-year project (October 2015-November 2017) increased the teaching confidence of midwifery educators while linking international standards and competencies to curriculum revision. In addition, capacity-building projects based on a needs assessment and implementation from regional partners may result in policy changes at the local and national level. Partnerships are essential to meeting the sustainable development goals. These regional partnerships may be highly effective in creating sustainable capacity-building projects. Maternal mortality and preventing deaths of children under 5years old continues to be a challenge across the globe despite progress made in recent years. Progress toward sustainable development goal 3, requires efforts addressed in sustainable development goal17, partnership. Laos has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in Southeast Asia. A project to increase capacity of midwifery educators demonstrated the benefit of regional partnerships in Laos to have an impact on sustainable development goal 3 ultimately improving maternal outcomes throughout the country. Partnerships especially those between countries in the same region, are crucial to the success of meeting the sustainable development goals.

Challenges and Future Trends for Thai Education: Conceptual Framework into Action

The challenges and future trends in Thailand in the 21st century are considered from several factors. These include the revolution of Thailand 4.0, digital revolution, 2030 Agenda for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) in Quality Education, ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) preparations, workforce’s need, middle-income gap, population aging, deterioration of natural resources due to unsustainable economic growth, and educational quality and management system development. The Office of Education Council proposes a development paradigm shift in the education of Thailand 4.0 toward the 21st century. The primary focus of a new 20-year plan, announced in the National Scheme of Education B.E. 2560-2579 (2017-2036) [1], provides a national capacity building framework into action, regarding educational management, educational opportunity, educational quality, instructional effectiveness, the administration of educational institutions, budget management, and educational development in the competitive era.

Mobilising Q methodology within a realist evaluation: Lessons from an empirical study

Realist evaluation and Q methodology are established approaches in social science. However, integration of Q methodology within a realist evaluation is scarce. This article attempts to illustrate (through a recent evaluation) how Q methodology can support a realist evaluation. The article attempts to capture the philosophical compatibility of the two approaches creating an argument for Q’s integration within realist evaluation. Through the case study selected (a realist evaluation of an evaluation capacity building framework), the iterative methodological process is presented, capturing a snapshot of the findings from the evaluation. This illuminates how Q met the philosophical aims of a realist evaluation to make sense of how, why and under what circumstances a programme or intervention works. It is argued that Q methodology is entirely suitable for capturing the three key stages in a realist evaluation of developing, testing and refining programme theory. It is intended that this article can contribute to inspire other realist evaluators and methodologists to make use of Q as a tool in their evaluation.

Defining capacity building in the context of HTA: a proposal by the HTAi Scientific Development and Capacity Building Committee.

To develop a definition of "capacity building" relevant to Health Technology Assessment international (HTAi). A review of capacity building activities undertaken by HTAi members, members of the International Network of Agencies for Health Technology Assessment (INAHTA), and regional HTA networks was compared against general literature on capacity building definitions and frameworks. The findings were reviewed by the HTAi Scientific Development and Capacity Building Committee. Furthermore, the Executive Committee and Interest Groups of HTAi provided input on the draft final paper. The literature demonstrated the need for a definition of capacity building specific to HTA. In the context of HTAi, it was necessary for the definition to cover (i) the broadest range of HTA-related activities, (ii) multiple stakeholders involved in the HTA process, and (iii) the spectrum of activities that compose capacity building. We propose the following definition of HTA capacity building: The process by which individuals and organizations develop or strengthen abilities related to understanding, providing input to, conducting, or utilizing HTA for health policy and decision making, as well as, developing awareness and support in the environment within which HTA is being used. A definition of HTA-related capacity building that was intended to provide clarity about what this term means to HTAi was developed. As HTA is context-dependent, a need for further work to develop an operationalization "menu" relevant to the specific needs in which HTA is being used was identified.

Requirements for developing interoperable e-government systems in developing countries - a case of Uganda

E-government initiatives in developing countries still suffer from lack of interoperability, despite the existence of e-government interoperability frameworks in literature. For example, Uganda's e-government landscape is fragmented within and across agencies. To provide preliminary insights into addressing this, exploratory interviews were conducted to investigate why the e-government interoperability challenge prevails in Uganda, and findings were used with respect to existing literature to specify required strategic interventions. These strategic interventions point to the need for three intertwined capabilities, i.e., a regulatory and governance framework, a capacity building and sustainability framework, and an adaptation and customisation framework for e-government implementations. Therefore, the relevance of this paper is two-fold. First, to give insight into strategic interventions that developing economies (that share Uganda's context) can explore to address e-government interoperability. Second, to stimulate researchers in countries that have attained e-government interoperability to publish detailed technical guidelines on implementing the strategic interventions proposed herein.

Western Bulldogs Sons of the West Program ripple effects: building community capacity.

Professional sporting organisations can provide lifestyle-based community health improvement programs. Since 2014, the Western Bulldogs Australian Football League Club, through its Western Bulldogs Community Foundation (WBCF), has invested with community partners in the Sons of the West (SOTW) Program, a 10-week program targeted at hard-to-reach men aged ≥18 years living in Victoria's West. The SOTW Program aims to increase its participants' physical activity, social connectedness and overall health. Evaluations by the WBCF revealed the SOTW is positively contributing to improved healthier lifestyles and health of participants. Anecdotal reports revealed the SOTW was creating ripples far beyond the Program's expectations. In 2016-17, the WBCF funded the University of Melbourne to evaluate the SOTW Program ripple effects. An adapted 'Ripple Effect Mapping' approach was used, including 13 focus group discussions with 100 SOTW participants. The SOTW Program is improving men's social connections, health promoting behaviours, health literacy and creating ripple effects including: local community participation; increased volunteerism; enhanced reciprocity; and increased leadership. Community capacity-building frameworks can explain the SOTW Program ripple effects. Professional sporting organisations can provide lifestyle-based health improvement programs and empower men to contribute to building community capacity.

Stochastic Optimization Models for Supply Chain Management: Integrating Uncertainty into Decision-Making Processes

This study examines how supply chain management can use stochastic optimization models to overcome the problems associated with decision-making uncertainty. The study's primary goals are reviewing the literature on stochastic optimization models in supply chain management, gaining a thorough grasp of their applications, and evaluating how well they integrate uncertainty into decision-making processes. The method includes a comprehensive assessment of the current literature body, including scholarly journals, conference proceedings, and reliable web sources to obtain pertinent data and insights. The significance of incorporating uncertainty into decision-making procedures, the adaptability of stochastic optimization models for diverse supply chain functions, and their function in augmenting supply chain resilience via proactive risk mitigation and sound decision-making are among the principal discoveries. The policy implications indicate that investments in data analytics capabilities, capacity building, training programs, and regulatory frameworks are required to facilitate the implementation of stochastic optimization models in supply chain management. This study advances knowledge in supply chain management and informs future research and practice.

Innovation capacity building

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to propose how a bottom-up creation of an ambidextrous organization can be enabled. By integrating research on “contextual ambidexterity” and “individual and organizational capacity building”, an “innovation capacity building” framework is conceptualized that suggests how balance between exploration and exploitation can be maintained.Design/methodology/approachThe study is conceptual. As no data are utilized, focus is on discussing the links between the two theoretical perspectives and the advantages of the proposed innovation capacity building framework.FindingsThe innovation capacity building framework discusses the influence, both positive and negative, of the local organizational context for ambidexterity, and the interactions required such as feedback between the management team and the employees so they together can build an ambidextrous working culture. A culture in which it is the individual employee that is responsible for switching between activities related to exploration and exploitation and where the management team empowers the employees to do so.Originality/valueThis study focuses on contextual ambidexterity and how contextual ambidexterity can be implemented as a way of working in contemporary organizations. The originality lies in the proposed framework and in the dedicated focus on “how” ambidexterity can be implemented in organizations.

TRAINING, EDUCATION, RESEARCH AND CAPACITY BUILDING NEEDS AND FUTURE REQUIREMENTS IN APPLICATIONS OF GEOSPATIAL TECHNOLOGY FOR WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

Abstract. In India, water resources are managed at different levels, i.e. at central level by Ministry of Water Resources, River Development & Ganga Rejuvenation, Central Water Commission and Central Ground Water Board, at states level by state water resources departments, and at local level by Municipal Corporation and Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs). As per India’s national water policy of year 2012 focuses on adaption to climate change, enhancement of water availability, water demand management by efficient water use practices, management of floods and droughts, water supply and sanitation, trans-boundary rivers, conservation of water bodies and infrastructure, and finally research and training needs for each theme. Geospatial technology has unique role in all aforementioned themes. Therefore, research and training in use of Geospatial Technology (GST) in water sector is needed for each theme at different levels of water administration and water utilisation. The current paper discusses the existing framework and content of capacity building in water sector and geospatial technology in use at various government organizations and institutes. The major gap areas and future capacity building requirements are also highlighted, along with duration and timelines of training/capacity building programs. The use of distance learning/educations tools, social media, and e-learning are also highlighted in promoting use of GST in water sector. The emerging technological trends such as, new remote sensing sensors for measuring water cycle components, ground sensors based field instruments, cloud based data integration and computational models, webGIS based water information portals and training needs of new technologies are also emphasised.

Stakeholder checklist for priority-setting in low and middle-income countries

This stakeholder checklist is a tool to support the identification of the types of stakeholders who are likely to have a role in priority-setting policy work in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). The checklist was developed to guide the initial technical support provided by IDSI in its engagement with a new country, but we believe it can also be a useful tool for any organisations or individuals engaging in similar work. The stakeholders who may be involved in the process of decision making (including follow-up and review) will often be specific to the type of allocation problem under consideration. We have aimed to make this tool general, so it is a tool for a broad range of problems. Not every stakeholder need necessarily have a role in every situation. This tool lists the categories identified in IDSI’s capacity building framework and indicates questions we deemed helpful for identifying stakeholders and their institutional affiliations. The checklist is most likely to be useful in settings where there is limited experience of, or resources for, stakeholder consultation and participation. Further, once the stakeholders are identified and a specific policy proposal is defined, it can serve as a first sage in an analysis of potential stakeholder roles.

Road Map to Setting Up a Palliative Care Service in a Tertiary Center Gynecologic Oncology Unit in Egypt

Background and context: Developing countries struggle with high cancer mortality and low resources. Cancer patients experience pain and physical symptoms in addition to psychological, social and spiritual worries that increase as the patients' conditions progress. Palliative care (PC) primary goal is to help people live as well as they can for the duration of their illness, with the finest physical and emotional well-being possible despite complex problems. However, there are considerable barriers to PC service implementation in developing countries. Aim: Our goal is to set up a PC service and integrate it as a standard of care for gynecologic cancer patients managed at Assiut University Hospitals, Egypt. The objective of this study is to investigate the tools needed to integrate a PC service in any oncology service in developing countries. Strategy/Tactics: A capacity building and local provision PC development framework was laid. Strategies included expanding the gynecologic oncology unit, assessment of PC knowledge among health providers and medical students, assembling a multidisciplinary PC team, overseas PC training, establishing international links, providing essential medicine and addressing PC education. Program/Policy process: The gynecologic oncology unit capacity was expanded to accommodate long term admissions. PC knowledge among physicians, clinical nurse practitioners (CNPs) and medical students in Assiut University Hospitals was assessed using the modified Palliative Care Knowledge Test (PCKT). A multidisciplinary team that will deliver the PC service to our gynecologic cancer patients was assembled based on motivation and individual expertise in the aspects of PC from relevant departments as clinical oncology, surgery, pain and anesthesiology, psychiatry, physical therapy and rehabilitation and nutrition. The hospital leadership worked with the pharmacists to increase opioids quota and facilitate dispensing measures. The PC team leader engaged in a certified online PC course and arranged overseas training with the reputable Palliative Medicine Division at University of Cape Town well known for its legacy in delivering PC education. Outcomes: Ninety two physicians, 14 CNPs and 116 medical students completed the PCKT. The PCKT was composed of 20 questions and each correct answer was given 1 point. The overall total correct score was 7.41 ± 2.48 (Fig 1). Poor knowledge about PC was a strong indicator to acknowledge the gap in PC postgraduate training and undergraduate education. What was learned: Integration of a PC service for cancer patients in Egypt is feasible in spite of local resources constraints. A PC multidisciplinary team can be assembled from skilled specialists. Modifications of undergraduate and postgraduate curricula to include PC is crucial. Our model can be transferred to other low resource settings. [Figure: see text]

Readying Extension for the Systematic Analysis of Large Qualitative Data Sets

Land-grant Extension institutions face increasing expectations to use data to communicate value and drive program and organizational development. In this article, we introduce the University of Wisconsin–Extension Data Jam Initiative, an integrated qualitative software, methods, and data analysis curriculum. The Data Jam Initiative is an evaluation capacity building framework for collaborative, mentorship-based analysis sessions across an institution and across disciplines. Through sharing exemplar applications of this curriculum, we illustrate how the Data Jam Initiative prepares Extension institutions for using qualitative data in service of communication to stakeholders, program development, and organizational growth.

Building capacity in primary care rehabilitation clinical practice guidelines: a South African initiative

BackgroundThe large number of South Africans with disability who cannot access good quality rehabilitation presents a public health and human rights challenge. A cost-effective, efficient approach is required to address this. Implementation of high-quality, contextually relevant clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) could be a solution; however, this requires significant investment in innovative capacity-building.MethodsA qualitative descriptive national study was conducted to explore the perspectives of South African stakeholders in rehabilitation, regarding CPG capacity-building. Twenty rehabilitation professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech language therapists, podiatrists, rehabilitation managers or directors) were interviewed. Transcribed interview data were analysed using a deductive content analysis approach, mapping findings to an international capacity-building framework to produce new knowledge.ResultsCapacity-building is required in content, purpose and construction of locally relevant CPGs, as well as personal, workforce and systems capacity. Principles and strategies were derived to underpin implementation of CPGs that are user friendly, context specific, relevant to the needs of end-users, and achievable within available resources. Collaboration, networks and communication are required at national, provincial and regional level, within and between sectors. A central agency for CPG methods, writing, implementation and evaluation is indicated.ConclusionSouth African rehabilitation can benefit from a multi-level CPG capacity-building focusing on performance, personal, workforce and systems issues.

Research capacity building frameworks for allied health professionals \u2013 a systematic review

BackgroundBuilding the capacity of allied health professionals to engage in research has been recognised as a priority due to the many benefits it brings for patients, healthcare professionals, healthcare organisations and society more broadly. There is increasing recognition of the need for a coordinated multi-strategy approach to building research capacity. The aim of this systematic review was to identify existing integrated models and frameworks which guide research capacity building for allied health professionals working in publicly funded secondary and tertiary healthcare organisations.MethodsA systematic review was undertaken searching five databases (Medline, CINAHL, Embase, AustHealth and Web of Science) using English language restrictions. Two authors independently screened and reviewed studies, extracted data and performed quality assessments using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Content and thematic analysis methods were used to code and categorise the data.ResultsA total of 8492 unique records were screened by title and abstract, of which 20 were reviewed in full-text. One quantitative study and five qualitative studies were included, each of which describing a research capacity building framework. Three interconnected and interdependent themes were identified as being essential for research capacity building, including ‘supporting clinicians in research’, ‘working together’ and ‘valuing research for excellence’.ConclusionsThe findings of this systematic review have been synthesised to develop a succinct and integrated framework for research capacity building which is relevant for allied health professionals working in publicly funded secondary and tertiary healthcare organisations. This framework provides further evidence to suggest that research capacity building strategies are interlinked and interdependent and should be implemented as part of an integrated ‘whole of system’ approach, with commitment and support from all levels of leadership and management. Future directions for research include using behaviour change and knowledge translation theories to guide the implementation and evaluation of this new framework.Trial registrationThe protocol for this systematic review has been registered with PROSPERO. The registration number is CRD42018087476.

SectorInsights.org—AmeriGEOSS: A Framework for Capacity Building and Collaboration in the Americas

SectorInsights.org—AmeriGEOSS: A Framework for Capacity Building and Collaboration in the Americas

Leading an examination of beliefs and assumptions about parents

ABSTRACTA body of literature on parent engagement has emerged over the past five decades (Mapp, K. 2013. Partners in Education: A Dual Capacity-Building Framework for Family-School Partnerships. Washington, DC: Southwest Educational Development Laboratory). Regardless of this extensive research evidence and its promise for improved student outcomes, there are only ‘random acts of parent engagement’ (Weiss, H. B., Lopez, E. L. and Rosenberg, H. 2010. Beyond Random Acts: Family, School, and Community Engagement as an Integral Part of Education Reform. Boston, MA: Harvard Family Research Project) occurring in schools across the globe. Why has the systematic engagement of parents not become integral to all schools? We believe an underemphasised and critical piece in the work to engage parents is leadership to facilitate school staffs’ deep and honest examination of their beliefs about parents, and the place and voice of parents in teaching and learning.

Preface

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)’s mission is to strengthen local capacity for conducting independent, rigorous inquiry into the problems facing economies in sub-Saharan Africa, and to promote evidence-based economic policy. Three pillars—research, collaborative graduate training and policy outreach—characterise the AERC capacity building and knowledge framework. In the thematic component of the research arm, AERC has developed a long standing delivery channel for capacity building based on ‘learning by doing’. It holds Biannual Research Workshops: one in June and the other in December. The workshops have a dual purpose: a peer review mechanism and a mechanism for external monitoring. Under this rigorous environment, which has endured for about 30 years, African economists present their competitively selected research in various stages of development and receive constructive criticisms voiced by their peers. The peer review is monitored and moderated by a group of carefully selected resource persons drawn from within and outside the region, who provide expert advice and mentoring.

Ground-up-top down: a mixed method action research study aimed at normalising research in practice for nurses and midwives

BackgroundImproving health, patient and system outcomes through a practice-based research agenda requires infrastructural supports, leadership and capacity building approaches, at both the individual and organisational levels. Embedding research as normal nursing and midwifery practice requires a flexible approach that is responsive to the diverse clinical contexts within which care is delivered and the variable research skills and interest of clinicians. This paper reports the study protocol for research being undertaken in a Local Health District (LHD) in New South Wales (NSW) Australia. The study aims to evaluate existing nursing and midwifery research activity, culture, capacity and capability across the LHD. This information, in addition to input from key stakeholders will be used to develop a responsive, productive and sustainable research capacity building framework aimed at enculturating practice-based research activities within and across diverse clinical settings of the LHD.MethodsA three-phased, sequential mixed-methods action research design underpinned by Normalization Process Theory (NPT).Participants will be nursing and midwifery clinicians and managers across rural and metropolitan services. A combination of survey, focus group, individual interviews and peer supported action-learning groups will be used to gather data. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, together with thematic analysis of qualitative data to produce an integrated report.DiscussionUnderstanding the current research activity and capacity of nurses and midwives, together with organisational supports and culture is essential to developing a productive and sustainable research environment. However, knowledge alone will not bring about change. This study will move beyond description of barriers to research participation for nurses and midwives and the promulgation of various capacity building frameworks to employ a theory driven action-oriented approach to normalisation of nursing and midwifery research practice. In doing so, our aim is to make possible the utilisation, generation and translation of practice based research that informs improved patient and service delivery outcomes.

Assessing and Improving Processes and Outcomes of the McGill Primary Health Care Research Network (summer bursary)

Background: The McGill Primary Health Care Research Network (the Network) is a Practice-Based Research Network (PBRN) that promotes the collaboration between researchers and clinicians in research. The Network follows an approach called Organizational Participatory Research (OPR).Purpose: To discover the processes and outcomes associated with the Network, to learn about researcher and clinician collaboration within the Network and to propose recommendations and a revised questionnaire.Methods: A thematic qualitative data analysis was conducted. The data that was analyzed consisted of the diaries of two diaries of two Network coordinators, email correspondence between the core group members and the coordinators, and the minutes of 12 core group meetings. The data were interpreted according to the Capacity Building Framework. Then, codes were organized according to 10 framework-based meta-themes (5 domain-related processes, and 5 domain-related outcomes) and grouped in 24 key-themes (key processes and outcomes).Results: A leadership process was researchers promoting communication within the Network which resulted in clinicians becoming project leaders. An organizational development outcome was members' research projects being completed. Partnership processes involved researchers and clinicians identifying their respective challenges to partnerships. The main outcome was collaboration. Resource allocation processes included time and funding management, with accommodation to time constraints as an outcome. Workforce development processes included researchers educating clinicians, which resulted in networking core group members and positive learning experiences. Conclusions: The results suggested practice and policy recommendations. Based on the results, an improved mailing policy, a wiki/blog, a more humble approach for researchers and a questionnaire were proposed.

Preface

The African Economic Research Consortium (AERC)’s mission is to strengthen local capacity for conducting independent, rigorous enquiry into the problems facing economies in sub-Saharan Africa, and to promote evidence-based economic policy. Three pillars—research, collaborative graduate training and policy outreach—characterise the AERC capacity building and knowledge framework. In the thematic component of the research arm, AERC has developed a long-standing delivery channel for capacity building based on ‘learning by doing’. It holds Biannual Research Workshops: one in June and the other in December. The workshops have a dual purpose: a peer-review mechanism and a mechanism for external monitoring. Under this rigorous environment, which has endured for about thirty years, African economists present their competitively selected research in various stages of development and receive constructive criticisms voiced by their peers. The peer review is monitored and moderated by a group of carefully selected resource persons drawn from within and outside the region, who provide expert advice and mentoring.