Improve Research Capacity Research Articles

Simulation of typhoon-induced hydrodynamic conditions in the Hai Phong coastal area: a case study of Son Tinh typhoon 2012 and 2018

The Hai Phong coastal area is one of the places that is often affected by storms and tropical depressions, with significant impacts on hydrodynamics and geomorphological changes. The influence of typhoons on hydrodynamic conditions in the Hai Phong coastal area has yet to be thoroughly studied. Accordingly, the above study has evaluated the influence of storms with different trajectories on the hydrodynamic field in the Hai Phong coastal area under complex, non-linear impacts to contribute to a better understanding of the influence of storms on hydrodynamic processes and to improve research capacity on hydrodynamic regimes in coastal estuaries using modeling tools. Observational and reanalysis data from global sources were collected systematically and homogeneously to create open boundary conditions (time-serial) for the model. The NESTING method created sea boundary conditions for the model from another model with a larger grid outside. The Delft3D model system was set up with five vertical layers in Sigma coordinates and was validated, showing a fair agreement with measurement data at some places in the study area. Results of scenarios showed typhoons have an extreme impact on hydrodynamic conditions in the Hai Phong coastal area, especially raising the water level and increasing the flow velocity and wave height in the coastal area. Different typhoons effect the hydrodynamics differently, but they all share that the estuary areas with narrow channels are more strongly affected than the remaining areas. When the typhoons make landfall at the Lach Huyen estuary in Nam Trieu, the flow velocity can be up to 0.8–1.2 m/s (an increase of 0.5 m/s compared to the flow velocity in normal conditions), and the wave height can be up to 1.2–2.5 m (a rise of 0.4–2 m compared to the wave height in without typhoon).

A Mixed-Methods Assessment of the Feasibility of Conducting Neurosurgical Clinical Research in Uganda

Clinical research is necessary to evaluate neurosurgical interventions, yet clinical trials are conducted less frequently in low- and middle-income countries. Because specific barriers, facilitating factors, and strategies for neurosurgical clinical research in Uganda have not been previously identified, this study evaluated neurosurgical providers' perspectives on clinical research and documentation patterns of neurosurgical variables at Mulago National Referral Hospital. Retrospective review of 166 neurosurgical patient charts assessed the frequency of documentation of key variables. Twenty-two providers working in neurosurgery participated in 6 focus group discussions with qualitative analysis utilizing the framework method. Chart review showed that primary diagnosis (99.4%), pupil light response (97.6%), and computed tomography scan results (93.3%) were documented for most patients. Cranial nerve exam (61.5%), pupil size (69.9%), and time to neurosurgical intervention (45%) were documented less frequently. On average, Glasgow Coma Scale was documented for 86.6% of days hospitalized, while vital signs were documented for 12.3%. In most focus group discussions, participants identified follow-up, financing, recruitment, time, approval, and sociocultural factors as research barriers. Participants described how the current health workforce facilitates successful research. To improve research capacity, suggested strategies focused on research networks, data collection, leadership, participant recruitment, infrastructure, and implementation. At Mulago National Referral Hospital, there was variability in the frequency of documentation of neurosurgical variables, which may impact data collection for future studies. While multiple barriers were identified, sociocultural, financing, and time barriers greatly impacted neurosurgical clinical research. Despite that, identified facilitating factors and strategies could be utilized to support neurosurgical research capacity growth.

Implementation of a Newborn Screening for Sickle Cell Disease, at the Hospital Materno Infantil Dr Manuel Pedro Azancot De Menezes, Angola

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a hereditary disease, and a worldwide public health problem, with a higher incidence in sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence is very high (about 80%). SCD prevalence can reach 3,3 % in Angola, while carriers of the sickle cell trait account for more than 25% of the population. The early identification of patients and their follow-up in consultation are an added value for the reduction of morbidity and mortality of children with SCD. The implementation of early infant screening and follow-up programs for children with SCD showed excellent results in increasing the survival of these children. With this project we intend to implement a Newborn screening in Hospital Materno Infantil Dr Manuel Pedro Azancot de Menezes, a referral of the main maternity in Angola, located in Luanda, the country capital, that could be replicated in other hospitals, giving training to the health professionals, and to the laboratory technicians, in order to diagnose the SCD patients. The objective of this project is to establish a neonatal screening for SCD at a main Hospital in Angola, contributing to reduce the under 5 mortality, and to support for pediatric follow-up consultations of children diagnosed with SCD. Specific aims include: record the data and medical history of babies diagnosed with SCD up to 5 years of age at regular appointments; estimate the prevalence of SCD in the municipality of Camama, Luanda; and to evaluate the costs of neonatal screening and early interventions in Angola, by supporting a registry of SCD. The newborn screening has started in June 2023, with the training of the team at the hospital, and with the creation of all documents and forms needed. The project received ethical approval in June 2023. The study includes every child born in the maternity ward of the Hospital, and also every child that take vaccinations there (in this way we can include newborns delivered at home), that the legal guardians authorize the collection of blood sample by prick heel for screening for SCD. The samples of filter paper duly identified with the sample number and date of collection are being sent to Lisbon (Portugal), for hemoglobin electrophoresis by isoelectric focusing (IEF) carried out in the Migele equipment (acquired with the support of Perkin Elmer, and the ARISE project) (Figure 1). All SS samples are being genotyped for the HbS mutation by PCR-RFLP. Since the start of the newborn screening (June 28 th) we have collected 1000 samples in 4 weeks and have started the IEF analysis with MIGELE (Perkin Elmer). The preliminary results (221 samples, 177 AA, 41 AS and 3 SS) showed a 1.4% prevalence of SS, and 19.5% of AS, confirmed by PCR-RFLP (in all AS and SS). The frequencies were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Moreover, we are searching for other possible hemoglobinopathies. More results will be presented. All children diagnosed as SS (SCD) are being contacted by the Hospital Materno Infantil Dr Manuel Pedro Azancot de Menezes, Angola, to be followed in consultation. Newborn screening and early interventions for SCD should be a health priority and implemented at national level. It is our plan to catalyze progress toward this aim by demonstrating the high prevalence of neonatal SCD in the Luanda Hospital and demonstrate the feasibility of this screening in reducing under 5 mortalities. The present project has the support of ARISE project “African Research and Innovative initiative for Sickle cell Education: Improving Research Capacity for Service Improvement” project (GA 824021 - ARISE - H2020-MSCA-RISE-2018) by supporting the secondments of Angolan Laboratory technicians in Lisbon (Portugal) to perform the IEF and genetic analysis and be trained. Until now 5 Angolan secondees, and 3 Nigerian secondees have been trained in Lisbon. Perkin Elmer (Revvity) is giving llogistical support by kindly support the low-cost acquisition, installation and training in MIGELE equipment for IEF, and being always available to technical support. Figure 1 - Flow diagram of the methodology followed in the present study.

Systematic review of research barriers, facilitators, and stakeholders in long-term care and geriatric settings, and a conceptual mapping framework to build research capacity

BackgroundOlder adults are underrepresented in research. Heterogeneity of research processes in this population, specifically in long-term care (LTC) and geriatric acute care (GAC), is not well described and may impede the design, planning, and conduct of research. In this study, we identified, quantified, and mapped stakeholders, research stages, and transversal themes of research processes, to develop a mapping framework to improve research capacity by better characterizing this heterogeneity.MethodsMulticomponent mixed methods study. An environmental scan was used to initiate a preliminary framework. We conducted a systematic literature search on processes, barriers, and methods for clinical research in GAC and LTC to extract and update stakeholders, research stages, and themes. Importance and interactions of elements were synthesized via heatmaps by number of articles, mentions, and content intersections.ResultsFor our initial framework and environmental scan, we surveyed 24 stakeholders. Of 9277 records, 68 articles were included in our systematic review and allowed us to identify 12 stakeholders, 13 research stages, 17 transversal themes (either barriers, facilitators, general themes, or recommendations), and 1868 intersections. Differences in relative importance between LTC and GAC emerged for stakeholders (staff, managers vs. caregivers, ethics committees), and for research stages (funding, facility recruitment vs. ethics, individual recruitment). Crucial themes according to specific stakeholders were collaboration for the research team; communication, trust, and human resources for managers; heterogeneity for patients and residents. A heatmap framework synthesizing vital stakeholders and themes per research stage was generated.ConclusionsWe identified and quantified the interactions between stakeholders, stages, and themes to characterize heterogeneity in LTC and GAC research. Our framework may serve as a blueprint to co-construct and improve each stage of the research process.

Health research mentorship in low- and middle-income countries: a scoping review.

The objective of this scoping review was to explore and synthesize the available literature on health research mentorship in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Research mentorship is broadly considered a useful strategy to improve research capacities and research outputs. Existing literature and guidance on research mentorship have focused on high-income countries and assumed resource-rich environments. Despite the successful endeavors to improve health research capacity in LMICs, the strategies that work best under different circumstances are poorly understood. There is a need to map and understand the evidence on health research mentorship in the context of LMICs. Sources that reported existing practices, barriers, and mitigation strategies related to health research mentorship in LMICs were included. We searched for published and unpublished studies and reports written in English, Spanish, or Portuguese. The search strategy was not limited by search dates and the last search was conducted on January 28, 2022. The databases searched included MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and JBI Evidence Synthesis. We also searched for gray literature in a selection of websites and digital repositories. The JBI scoping review methodology was used. A total of 77 studies and reports were included in the review. The majority of the papers were from Africa (n=28). Others were from Americas (n=7), South East Asia (n=4), East Mediterranean (n=2), and Western Pacific (n=2). The remaining studies were from LMICs that included at least two regional offices. Most of the mentorship projects (n=55) were initiated and funded by institutions from high-income countries. The first authors of 41 papers were primarily affiliated from LMICs. The findings were categorized under a description of research mentorship practices, barriers related to research mentorship, and suggested mitigation strategies. Deliverable-driven training using intensive hands-on mentorship and ongoing peer mentorship programs were some of the non-regular, non-institutionalized approaches used to improve research capacity for junior researchers in LMICs. None of the included papers focused on institutional components of research mentorship in LMICs. The barriers to research mentorship activities in LMICs included lack of clarity on mentorship, cultural variations, unbalanced power dynamics, socio-political influences, language barriers, lack of experienced mentors, and limited local funding. Institutionalizing research mentorship, adapting mentoring methodologies relying on local resources, and addressing and respecting diversity in mentorship programs were among the main strategies identified to effectively implement research mentorship in LMICs. Research mentorship initiatives and practices are limited in LMICs. Few available practices are introduced by researchers and research institutions from high-income countries and yet not institutionalized. The identified existing practices, barriers, and facilitators on health research mentorship could help the design, implementation, and evaluation of programs to institutionalize health research mentorship in LMICs. Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/jqa9z/.

Building the Research Infrastructure module in the Ukrainian Research Information System (URIS)

In recent years, Ukraine has made significant progress in developing open science practices to ensure open access to research infrastructure. In 2019, in accordance with the program "On Approval of the Concept of the State Targeted Program for the Development of Research Infrastructures in Ukraine for the Period up to 2026" [1], the effectiveness of the program implementation is ensured by attracting targeted investments to increase the competitiveness of research infrastructures, coordinating their operation, collecting and analyzing data on such infrastructures, implementing the provisions of international legislation in the relevant field into national legislation to ensure the implementation of the Agreement on the Association of Research Infrastructures. In 2020, the Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine published the National Research Infrastructure Roadmap, which outlines the strategic priorities for the development of research infrastructure in the country. The Roadmap included plans to create new research facilities, modernize existing infrastructure, and develop human capital in research. In 2021, the Government of Ukraine approved the Concept of the State Targeted Program for the Development of Research Infrastructures in Ukraine for the period of 2022-2026 [1]. The program aims to modernize the research infrastructure in Ukraine and support the development of innovative research [1]. The program is a significant step forward for the research infrastructure in Ukraine and has the potential to improve research capacity and stimulate innovation in the country. In 2022, the Government of Ukraine adopted the National Plan for Open Science, covering the period from 2023 to 2030. The aim of the plan was to bring Ukraine's research practices in line with the EU's open science policy [2]. The development of research infrastructure in Ukraine has been a priority for the government in recent years, as the country seeks to modernize its scientific potential and support innovation.

Scholarly literature in HIV-related lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender studies: A bibliometric analysis.

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) people are marginalized and understudied. Analyzing research activity worldwide is vital to better understand their needs in confronting the HIV epidemic. This study aimed to evaluate the global literature to identify the research collaboration, content, and tendency in HIV-related issues among the LGBT populations. Peer-reviewed original articles and reviews were achieved from the Web of Science Core Collection database. Country's collaborations and co-occurrence of most frequent terms were illustrated by VOSviewer software. The Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) and the linear regression model were utilized to uncover the hidden topics and examine the research trend. From 1990 to 2019, a total of 13,096 publications were found. Stigma, sexual risk behaviors and HIV testing were the major topics in the LGBT research during the study period. Among 15 topics, topics about HIV/Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) prevalence, Outcomes of HIV/AIDS care and treatment, and Opportunistic infections in HIV-positive LGBT people showed decreasing attention over years, while other topics had a slight to moderate increase. Our study underlined the exponential growth of publications on the LGBT population in HIV research, and suggested the importance of performing regional collaborations in improving research capacity. Moreover, further research should focus on examining the manner to increase the coverage of HIV testing and treatment, as well as implement HIV-interventions with low cost and easy to scale-up.

Mapping regional cooperation of state actors for health research systems in Africa: A social network analysis.

Regional bodies can potentially play an important role in improving health research in Africa. This study analyses the network of African state-based regional organisations for health research and assesses their potential relationship with national health research performance metrics. After cataloguing organisations and their membership, we conducted a social network analysis to determine key network attributes of national governments' connections via regional organisations supporting functions of health research systems. This data was used to test the hypothesis that state actors with more connections to other actors via regional organisations would have higher levels of health research performance across indicators. With 21 unique regional organisations, the African continent is densely networked around health research systems issues. In general, the regional network for health research is inclusive. No single actor serves as a nexus. However, when statistics are grouped by African Union regions, influential poles emerge, with the most predominate spheres of influence in Eastern and Western Africa. Further, when connectivity data was analysed against national health research performance, there were no statistically significant relationships between increased connectivity and higher performance of key health research metrics. The inclusive and dense network dynamics of African regional organisations for health research strengthening present key opportunities for knowledge diffusion and cooperation to improve research capacity on the continent. Further reflection is needed on appropriate and meaningful ways to assess the role of regionalism and evaluate the influence of regional organisations in strengthening health research systems in Africa.

Evaluation of research capacity and culture of hospital pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in a state-wide Australian public health service: A cross-sectional survey.

Integrating research with clinical practice is essential for evidence-based practice and continuous improvement in health care. Little is known about the research capacity and culture of the Australian hospital pharmacy workforce, particularly in rural areas and for pharmacy assistants/technicians. This paper aims to characterise the research capacity and culture of a state-wide public-hospital pharmacy service at organisation, team and individual levels, and to explore variables which influence research confidence and success. An online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey using the validated Research Capacity in Context tool was emailed to all pharmacists, pharmacy assistants/technicians and non-clinical staff employed by a statewide pharmacy service in South Australia. Respondent characteristics and organisation, team and individual scores of research skill/success were summarised using descriptive statistics. T-tests compared results for pharmacists and pharmacy assistants/technicians and metropolitan-based and non-metropolitan-based staff. Regression analyses explored predictors of pharmacists individual research skill/success scores. A response rate of 43.4% (n=278/641, 19 sites) was obtained. Respondents were primarily pharmacists (68%) and pharmacy assistants/technicians (28%); 91% were practicing in a metropolitan setting. 47% reported no research experience. Highest scores for research skill/success were observed at the organisational level (mean score 6.0/10) vs. team (mean score 5.6/10) and individual levels (mean score 5.1/10). Within each level specific items that scored poorly were identified. Individual research skills/success scores were higher in pharmacists vs. pharmacy assistants/technicians (mean score 5.2/10 vs. 4.2/10, p<0.01), and were not different between staff in metropolitan vs. non-metropolitan settings (mean scores 5.2 vs. 5.0, p=0.77). For pharmacists, undertaking undergraduate or internship research projects or postgraduate research training were associated with higher individual scores of research skills and success. This research extends understanding of hospital pharmacy research capacity and culture, describes research skills and success in hospital pharmacy technicians/assistants for the first time and highlights low-scoring areas; these could be targeted to improve research capacity and culture at an individual, team and organisational levels.

Clinicopathology and Treatment Patterns of Head and Neck Cancers in Ethiopia.

PURPOSEHead and neck cancers are the third most common cancers treated with radiation in Ethiopia. There is, however, a lack of published data on clinical and pathological characteristics and treatment patterns of head and neck cancers in the country. The objective of the study was to assess clinical and pathological characteristics and treatment patterns of head and neck cancers at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, which housed the only radiotherapy facility in Ethiopia during the study period.MATERIALS AND METHODSA retrospective cross-sectional study design with a simple random sampling of histologically confirmed head and neck cancers treated from 2014 to 2017 with analysis of descriptive data.RESULTSThree hundred twenty-one patient charts were analyzed in this study from a total population of 1,377 from the department cancer registry. The male to female ratio was 2:1. The median age was 45 years (interquartile range, 26-59). The most common primary site of head and neck cancers was nasopharynx (128 of 321, 40%), and the major histologic type was squamous cell carcinoma (285 of 321, 89%). Majority of the cases had advanced disease (stage III-IVC, 221 of 251, 88%), but 92% had potentially curable disease (231 of 321). Cobalt radiotherapy was used for 67% of all patients receiving treatment (184 of 273). Induction chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy was frequently used for curative intent patients (75 of 231, 32%). There was long duration between diagnosis and initiation of treatment, with 56% (148 of 264) waiting longer than 3 months.CONCLUSIONMajority of patients with head and neck cancers seen in Ethiopia presented at advanced stage of disease, received cobalt radiotherapy, and had protracted treatment initiation. These findings underscore the need for additional investments to improve research capacity and increase the availability of high-quality radiotherapy and supportive services to deliver optimal care for patients with head and neck cancer and other cancer patients in the country.

Building research capacity to correct global health's wrongs

Building research capacity to correct global health's wrongs

Improving research capacity in complementary medicine: a UK survey of researchers and practitioners

Improving research capacity in complementary medicine: a UK survey of researchers and practitioners

Design and Implementation of Postgraduate Programs in Health in a Resource-Limited Setting in Mozambique (The Lúrio University).

PurposeTo describe the strategies used to design and implement three postgraduate programs at Lúrio University (UniLúrio), a resource-limited setting, in northern Mozambique.MethodsWe conducted a longitudinal, descriptive case study from 2011 to 2018 in two phases: 1) needs assessment (2011–2012), 2) implementation strategies (2013–2018), taking into account innovations whenever necessary.ResultsSeveral obstacles and barriers to the establishment of postgraduate programs were identified. These included a lack of a core curricula aimed at postgraduate programs, shortage of human resources for teaching and mentorship, limited teaching and research infrastructures, limited financial resources, and lack of administrative capacity. With the support of the Medical Education Partnership Initiative (MEPI), three Master degree programs were designed and implemented. During the period of 2013–2018, UniLúrio enrolled 202 students, distributed as follows: Master degree in Tropical Medicine and Global Health (55), Master degree in Health Professional Education (99), and Master degree in Nutrition and Food Security (48). Of those, 152 (75.2%) obtained a Postgraduate Diploma as they did not present a master dissertation, 89 (44.0%) obtained their Master degree, 30 (14.8%) dropped out, and 20 (9.9%) are awaiting decision. UniLurio’s staff trained a Master’s degree or a Postgraduate Diploma in 34 (16.8%) and 15 (7.4%), respectively. Our strategies allowed us to improve research capacity building, and set the basis for long-term sustainability by allowing for the establishment of other postgraduate programs, and offered UniLurio a strong role in its internationalization.ConclusionBy sharing multiple resources, long-lasting partnerships were established with multiple institutions, and competency-based training and postgraduate studies management were developed. Research and eLearning were leveraged, retention and faculty development was enhanced, and some inequalities within the country were reduced. These strategies and innovations can be applied to other resource-limited settings, allowing the scaleup of health professional’s training and research capacity building.

The GoPA! Second Set of Country Cards Informing Decision Making for a Silent Pandemic.

In 2012, the Global Observatory for Physical Activity (GoPA!) was established to provide information that would enable countries to initiate or improve research capacity, surveillance systems, program development, and policymaking to increase physical activity levels. Findings from the first GoPA! Country Cards showed an unequal distribution of physical activity surveillance, research productivity, and policy development and implementation around the world. Regular global monitoring of these factors, especially in countries with the largest data gaps, was recommended to combat the global pandemic of physical inactivity. After 6 years and using standardized methods, GoPA! is launching the second set of Country Cards based on data up to 2019 from 217 countries. Overall results showed that periodic national surveillance of physical activity was less common in low-income countries, compared with middle- and high-income countries. Large inequities were seen with more than a 50-fold difference in publications between high- and low-income countries and 32% of the countries worldwide had no physical activity policy. GoPA! has a critical role in facilitating evidence-based physical activity promotion building on international guidelines and the World Health Organization Global Action Plan. GoPA! will continue to monitor progress as we battle the global pandemic of physical inactivity.

Primary prevention of stroke in children with sickle cell anemia in sub-Saharan Africa: rationale and design of phase III randomized clinical trial

Strokes in children with sickle cell anemia (SCA) are associated with significant morbidity and premature death. Primary stroke prevention in children with SCA involves screening for abnormal transcranial Doppler (TCD) velocity coupled with regular blood transfusion therapy for children with abnormal velocities, for at least one year. However, in Africa, where the majority of children with SCA live, regular blood transfusions are not feasible due to inadequate supply of safe blood, cost, and the reluctance of caregivers to accept transfusion therapy for their children. We describe the Primary Prevention of Stroke in Children with Sickle Cell Disease in Nigeria Trial [ S troke Pr evention i n N i g eria (SPRING) trial, NCT02560935], a three-center double-blinded randomized controlled Phase III clinical trial to 1) determine the efficacy of moderate fixed-dose (20 mg/kg/day) versus low fixed-dose (10 mg/kg/day) hydroxyurea therapy for primary stroke prevention; 2) determine the efficacy of moderate fixed-dose hydroxyurea for decreasing the incidence of all cause-hospitalization (pain, acute chest syndrome, infection, other) compared to low fixed-dose hydroxyurea. We will test the primary hypothesis that there will be a 66% relative risk reduction of strokes in children with SCA and abnormal TCD measurements, randomly allocated, for a minimum of three years to receive moderate fixed-dose versus low fixed-dose hydroxyurea (total n = 220). The results of this trial will advance the care of children with SCA in sub-Saharan Africa, while improving research capacity for future studies to prevent strokes in children with SCA.

Enhancing Fundamental Research Capability of Social Sciences and Humanities Lecturers at Universities Today

Along with education and training, basic research is the central political task of universities. Practice shows that basic research activities with training quality is one of two important tasks for universities. This paper aims to clarify the basic research issues of the humanities and social science lecturers at the current universities, based on which, propose solutions to improve research capacity. Basic and quality education and training in the new period.

Improving research capacity of practising dietitians through interactive sessions: evidence from a pilot study

ABSTRACT Knowledge about research in medical and allied health fields is an integral part of professional development in patient care practice. However, completion of an exclusive research degree is not always feasible for clinicians. In such a scenario, short interactive educational sessions may serve to effectively enhance research knowledge in clinicians. Our study aimed at determining the impact of short, interactive educational sessions on knowledge about quantitative and qualitative research in dietetic professionals. In a pre–post-test single group interventional design, 34 clinical dietitians were pre-tested, exposed to interactive educational interventions, followed by a post-test. The scores were compared using paired samples t-test. There were significant improvements in the knowledge during post-test compared with pre-test. A greater overall improvement was observed in participants who were graduates, as well as those who were clinicians compared to postgraduates and academicians, respectively. A series of short, interactive educational sessions on research may provide an effective way to enhance research interest and knowledge of clinical professionals. Such sessions may play a vital part in improving the chances of better, and research-informed, patient health care provision.

Cardiac surgery publications in Africa over the last 20 years: A literature review

There is a significant burden of surgically correctable cardiovascular disease in Africa. The goal of this research was to review the last 20 years of literature on this topic. A systematic search was performed using PubMed, Embase and African Index Medicus for the period 1996–2016. Publications came from 29 countries, all of different income brackets. Research output increased by 15-fold over the 20-year time period, with the majority of publications authored by local teams (71.4%) compared to visiting (4.9%) and mixed teams (23.7%). Although increasing, clinical reporting on cardiac surgery is still limited. Increased publication of results should be encouraged to better benchmark capacity and improve research capacity.&#x0D; Significance:&#x0D; &#x0D; The majority of the cardiovascular publications came from local research teams affiliated with public hospitals which suggests strong local engagement in research and cardiovascular care.&#x0D; Research output significantly increased and the share of literature from major research contributors has relatively shrunk over the study period, which suggests emerging research capacities from previously underrepresented regions.&#x0D; A demographic analysis of publications showed that studies were set in countries from all income brackets, with the majority of the studies originating from low-income countries.&#x0D; There is a need to standardise reporting of surgical outcomes which is dependent on perioperative care and maintenance of high-quality health records.&#x0D; Over half of the publications lacked evidence of outpatient follow-up or data on postoperative care, which highlights the need to focus on patient outcomes as a metric.&#x0D;

Hiện trạng và giải pháp nâng cao năng lực nghiên cứu khoa học của giảng viên Trường Đại học Cần Thơ

The purpose of this study was to examine the research capacity of Can Tho University’s lecturers. The current status of research capacity of lecturers (n=198) was assessed based on basic criteria through questionnaires regarding the aspects of (1)awareness of lecturers on the role and importance of research activities; (2)motivation to perform scientific research; (3)self-evaluation on conducting scientific research capacity of lecturers; and (4)advantages and disadvantages of performing research activities. The results showed that lecturers have a proper awareness of the role and importance of doing research. The main motivations for lecturers to join scientific research were to improve their professional qualifications (93.4%) and support teaching (76.8%). In general, self-assessment of lecturers on their research capacity was mainly at fairly good level (41.1%), good (31.6%) and very good (5.2%). However, there were also some responses with poor level (3.11%). Support resources (administrative office and laboratories) are considered as main key factors affecting scientific research activities of lecturers. There is a need of policy to encourage the motivation and creating research environment. These are considered as potential solutions for improving research capacity and effectiveness of scientific research quality of lecturers and the University.

Assessing research capacity in Victoria's south-west health service providers.

To investigate the research interest, capacity and culture in individuals, teams and health organisations across south-western Victoria. Cross-sectional survey. Eight public health services in the south-western region of Victoria. All staff were invited to participate. Hospital staff survey. The Research Capacity and Culture tool. The survey was completed by 776 staff including nurses, allied health staff and doctors. Half of the respondents were currently involved in research, while most wanted to be more involved. Respondents reported having moderate research skills and success at individual, team and organisation levels. Women and nurses reported having lower skills than comparable groups. Motivators for undertaking research were skill development (increased job satisfaction and brain stimulation) while the most commonly selected barriers were lack of time, other work taking priority and lack of funding. Health organisations in regional and rural Victoria could harness opportunities to enable staff participation in research by supporting identified strengths, addressing barriers and providing "permission" for staff to get involved in research. Efforts to improve research capacity among women and nurses could lead to the greatest overall improvement in organisations' research capacity and output-and translation of evidence into practice.