Improve Research Capacity Research Articles

Surveying Gut Microbiome Research in Africans: Toward Improved Diversity and Representation.

Descriptive and translational investigations into the human gut microbiome (GM) are rapidly expanding; however, studies are largely restricted to industrialized populations in the USA and Europe. Little is known about microbial variability and its implications for health and disease in other parts of the world. Populations in Africa are particularly underrepresented. What limited research has been performed has focused on a few subject domains, including the impact of long-term lifestyle and dietary factors on GM ecology, its maturation during infancy, and the interrelationships between the microbiome, infectious disease, and undernutrition. Recently, international consortia have laid the groundwork for large-scale genomics and microbiome studies on the continent, with a particular interest in the epidemiologic transition to noncommunicable disease. Here, we survey the current landscape of GM scholarship in Africa and propose actionable recommendations to improve research capacity and output.

Strategies to improve research capacity across European general practice: The views of members of EGPRN and Wonca Europe

Background: The effectiveness of any national healthcare system is highly correlated with the strength of primary care within that system. A strong research basis is essential for a firm and vibrant primary care system. General practitioners (GPs) are at the centre of most primary care systems. Objectives: To inform on actions required to increase research capacity in general practice, particularly in low capacity countries, we collected information from the members of the European General Practice Research Network (EGPRN) and the European World Organization of Family Doctors (Wonca).Methods: A qualitative design including eight semi-structured interviews and two discursive workshops were undertaken with members of EGPRN and Wonca Europe. Appreciative inquiry methods were utilized. Krueger’s (1994) framework analysis approach was used to analyse the data.Results: Research performance in general practice requires improvements in the following areas: visibility of research; knowledge acquisition; mentoring and exchange; networking and research networks; collaboration with industry, authorities and other stakeholders. Research capacity building (RCB) strategies need to be both flexible and financially supported. Leadership and collaboration are crucial.Conclusion: Members of the GP research community see the clear need for both national and international primary care research networks to facilitate appropriate RCB interventions. These interventions should be multifaceted, responding to needs at different levels and tailored to the context where they are to be implemented.

A Tale of Two Cities: Evolution of Academic Physiatry in Boston and Baltimore: Part 1: The Boston Marathon

A Tale of Two Cities: Evolution of Academic Physiatry in Boston and Baltimore: Part 1: The Boston Marathon

Clinical stroke research in resource limited settings: Tips and hints.

Background Most stroke research is conducted in high income countries, yet most stroke occurs in low- and middle-income countries. There is an urgent need to build stroke research capacity in low- and middle-income countries. Aims To review the global health literature on how to improve research capacity in low- and middle-income countries, provide additional data from the recently completed ATTEND Trial and provide examples from our own experience. Summary of review The main themes from our literature review were: manpower and workload, research training, research question and methodology and research funding. The literature and our own experience emphasized the importance of local stakeholders to ensure that the research was appropriate, that there were robust local ethics and regulatory processes, and research was conducted by trained personnel. Research training opportunities can be developed locally, or internationally, with many international schemes available to help support new researchers from low- and middle-income country settings. International collaboration can successfully leverage funding from high income countries that not only generate data for the local country, but also provide new data appropriate to high income countries. Conclusions Building stroke research capacity in low- and middle-income countries will be vital in improving global health given the huge burden of stroke in these countries.

Quality of meta-analysis in nursing fields: An exploration based on the JBI guidelines.

BackgroundMeta-analysis is often regarded as one of the best sources of evidence for clinical nurses due to its rigorous design and scientific reflection of the true results of nursing interventions. The quality of a meta-analysis is critical to the work of clinical decision-makers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to use the JBI guidelines to summarize the quality of RCT-based meta-analyses of reports published in domestic nursing professional journals, with a view to standardizing the research process and reporting methods.MethodsWe performed a comprehensive literature search for RCT-based meta-analyses published in Chinese professional nursing journals, from their inception to December 31, 2015, using bibliographic databases (e.g. CNKI, WanFang Database). March 1, 2017, supplementary search 2016 literature. Candidate reviews were assessed for inclusion by two independent reviewers using pre-specified eligibility criteria. We evaluated the quality of reporting of the included meta-analyses using the systematic review literature reporting specification of JBI. Analyses were performed using Excel and STATA 12.0 software.ResultsThree hundred and twenty-two meta-analyses were included. According to the JBI guidelines, the overall quality of the meta-analysis report was poor. The quality of core journal reports and the implementation of retrieval were better than those of non-core journals. The nature of the authors and the availability of funding support had no significant impact on the quality of the meta-analyses. Multi-unit and multi-author collaboration can help improve the quality of meta-analyses with significant impact.ConclusionThe understanding and implementation of systematic evaluation and meta-analyses in domestic nursing professional journals is worthy of recognition, and there is more work that can be done to improve the quality of these reports. Systematic review / Meta-analysis (SR / MA) makers should include the findings of this study. Multi-institutional and multi-author collaborations appear to improve research capacity and provide more reliable evidence support for clinicians.

Consideration for improving Research Capacity of Medical Post-Doctor

Medical post-doctor is an active and indispensable part in the field of medical research, making contribution to the development of medicine. This paper discussed the evaluation index of post-doctor and pointed out that the main ways to improve the research capacity of medical post-doctor including selection of excellent PhD students, evaluation, effective incentive and making full use of the leading role of co-supervisors. Key words: Medical post-doctor; Assessment Evaluation; Incentive; Research capacity,

The Difficulties and Countermeasures of the Primary Hospitals to Carry Out the Research

Objective Current study was aimed to investigate the barrier of research conduction in primary hospital, andTo take appropriate countermeasures to improve the research ability in primary hospital. Methods Convenience sampling method was adopted, and 302 physicians were selected and interviewed using a designed questionnaire. Results 89.41% of the participants believed that it is not appropriate to conduct research in primary hospitals because the hospital could not provide appropriate condition for research activity. There were lacks of research consciousness, research atmosphere, and research capacity in primary hospital. Conclusions These medical staff in primary hospital appeared a negative attitude to research, while negative attitude exhibited positive correlation with the level of hospital, academic atmosphere, and research capacity. To improve research capacity in primary hospital, it is important to establish continuing education program to train the physicians for research ability, and to change the research environment in the primary hospitals. In addition, the incentive system may be able to encourage physicians to actively conduct research. Key words: Primary hospital; Scientific research; Difficulties; Countermeasures

MicroResearch – Finding sustainable solutions to local health challenges in East Africa

The urgent need in Africa for research capacity building has been recognized by African leaders and governments for many years. However, lack of large research funding opportunities has been seen as a major obstacle to improving research capacity in precisely those countries that need it the most. Microfinance has shown that a small infusion of capital can "prime the pump" to creative local economic productivity. In a similar way, MicroResearch has proven effective in promoting a similar bottom-up strategy to find sustainable solutions to local health challenges through local community focused research. Specifically, MicroResearch through hands-on didactic courses, mentoring and small-scale research funding promotes small research projects that improve research skills across the entire health-care provider spectrum to unleash a culture of inquiry. This in turn stimulates health care providers to identify the locally most relevant obstacles that need to be overcome and implement locally feasible and sustainable solutions. MicroResearch is a bottom-up strategy proven effective at finding sustainable solutions to local health challenges.

Research from therapeutic radiographers: An audit of research capacity within the UK

Research from Allied Health Professionals (AHPs) is anecdotally known to lag behind that of other professions. The developing research landscape within other therapies and internationally led us to question how UK practice in therapeutic radiography was developing. The aim of the survey was to audit research capacity across therapy radiography in the UK. MethodAn electronic survey was sent to Radiotherapy Service Managers (RSM) and research leads in each of the radiotherapy centres in the UK. An adapted version of the ‘Auditing Research Capacity’ tool (ARC© tool) was used as the basis of the questionnaire. ResultsA total of 45 RSM responded to the survey (67% response rate) and 30 Research radiographers (RR) (45% response rate). A total of 51 RR were in post equating to 40.3 whole time equivalents and averaging 1 RR per centre. Variation was evident in the commitment to the development of a research culture identified by practices such as linking research to the business planning cycle, inclusion of research in recruitment and advertising materials, or having a nominated therapeutic radiographer lead on research for the department. Over a third of responding centres did not have a research strategy and training for RRs was limited; specifically in areas such as writing funding bids, writing for publication and the research and governance process. ConclusionA number of short and long-term strategies are proposed that should enhance a positive research culture and improve research capacity for therapeutic radiography led research. These include utilisation of the existing infrastructure provided by the National Institute for Health Research, a lead or co-ordinator for research activity with a remit to motivate others. Development of links and networks, and the development of a research strategy linked to wider Trust research priorities. The research strategy should include mentoring or developing appropriate research skills for those engaged in research (including higher degree qualifications). RSMs should also encourage peer-reviewed publications, and conference presentations from all staff to ensure research results are disseminated to the wider profession.

10: Capacity Building for Community Directed Research in East Africa (EA): 5 Year Microresearch (MR) Outcomes

Sub-Saharan African countries have urged grassroots input to improve research capacity (WHO 2008) including in community directed research. In Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya, MR is building capacity to find local, sustainable, community solutions for local health problems. After five years of MR in EA, we report outcomes. MR training occurred during intensive two-week workshops (WS) where 20 to 30 health workers (HW) were introduced to principles of research, community engagement, knowledge translation, health policy. In small interdisciplinary teams (six to eight HW) self-identified community directed research outlines were created. Post WS, each team developed a full proposal supported by MR coaches (one EA, one NA) and submitted for international MR peer review. Following local ethics approval, successful projects were funded (up to $2,000). Projects were implemented, results reported and knowledge translated, including written report and extended abstract published in peer-reviewed PubMed journal. MR evaluation at five years consisted of review of WS participant and proposal data, standardized questions post each WS, input from attendees at two EA MR Forums held in March and November 2013. Between 2008 and mid-November 2013, 14 workshops were conducted at five EA training sites with 366 participants (43% female); 32% MD, 18% RN or Midwife, 50% other HW. By 2012, 27 projects approved for funding (74% in Uganda): seven completed, four published or accepted, 20 ongoing. Three projects helped change health policy/practice and four lead to career advancement. 37% focused on child health, 37% maternal health, 26% both. MR fostered gender equity in team PIs, funding success, EA coaches, MR local teachers. MR principles now in HW undergrad curriculum at two EA sites. Post WS, 90% participants rated WS positively; 20% noted MR changed culture of inquiry at work. Post MR 2013 Forums, an online MR network, MR alumni network and an EA MR site leaders consortium formed to grow MR. MR builds capacity for EA community directed interdisciplinary team research at modest cost. MR projects lead to local health care changes, enhance culture of inquiry. EA MR successes, with EA MR leadership will support growth beyond the five EA sites if resources become available.

MicroResearch: Finding sustainable local health solutions in East Africa through small local research studies

BackgroundSub-Saharan African countries have urged grassroots input to improve research capacity. In East Africa, MicroResearch is fostering local ability to find sustainable solutions for community health problems. At 5years, the following reports its progress. MethodsThe MicroResearch program had three integrated components: (1) 2-week training workshops; (2) small proposal development with international peer review followed by project funding, implementation, knowledge translation; (3) coaching from experienced researchers. Evaluation included standardized questions after completion of the workshops, 2013 online survey of recent workshop participants and discussions at two East Africa MicroResearch Forums in 2013. ResultsBetween 2008 and 2013, 15 workshops were conducted at 5 East Africa sites with 391 participants. Of the 29 projects funded by MicroResearch, 7 have been completed; of which 6 led to changes in local health policy/practice. MicroResearch training stimulated 13 other funded research projects; of which 8 were external to MicroResearch. Over 90% of participants rated the workshops as excellent with 20% spontaneously noting that MicroResearch changed how they worked. The survey highlighted three local research needs: mentors, skills and funding – each addressed by MicroResearch. On-line MicroResearch and alumni networks, two knowledge translation partnerships and an East Africa Leaders Consortium arose from the MicroResearch Forums. ConclusionMicroResearch helped build local capacity for community-directed interdisciplinary health research.

Supporting Southern-led Research: Implications for North—South Research Partnerships

Background: Global health research partnerships are commonly led by Northern investigators who come from resource-rich research environments, while Southern partners participate with a paucity of research skills and resources. This power asymmetry within North–South research partnerships may further exacerbate the unequal distribution of benefits from the research process. Methods: This study is designed to present the benefits and challenges of engaging in the research process from the perspective of The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), an HIV/AIDS care and treatment organization that has been involved in global health research partnerships. It uses a validated research tool entitled “Is Research Working for You?” to facilitate qualitative interviews surrounding the experienced benefits and challenges in engaging in the research partnerships as described by TASO staff. Results: Three key themes emerged from the content and thematic analysis: 1) the reported benefits of research (e.g., evidence-based management, advocacy, etc.), 2) the challenges the research committee members face in becoming more involved in the research process (e.g., lack of data analysis skill, lack of inclusion in the research process, etc.), and 3) the institutional ambition at TASO to develop a Southern-led research agenda. Conclusions: This is one of the few studies to document the development of a Southern-led research agenda in addition to the challenges of engaging in the research process. Mechanisms for moderating power dynamics within North–South partnerships can provide opportunities for improved research capacity and quality.

Supporting southern-led research: implications for North-South research partnerships.

Global health research partnerships are commonly led by Northern investigators who come from resource-rich research environments, while Southern partners participate with a paucity of research skills and resources. This power asymmetry within North-South research partnerships may further exacerbate the unequal distribution of benefits from the research process. This study is designed to present the benefits and challenges of engaging in the research process from the perspective of The AIDS Support Organization (TASO), an HIV/AIDS care and treatment organization that has been involved in global health research partnerships. It uses a validated research tool entitled "Is Research Working for You?" to facilitate qualitative interviews surrounding the experienced benefits and challenges in engaging in the research partnerships as described by TASO staff. Three key themes emerged from the content and thematic analysis: 1) the reported benefits of research (e.g., evidence-based management, advocacy, etc.), 2) the challenges the research committee members face in becoming more involved in the research process (e.g., lack of data analysis skill, lack of inclusion in the research process, etc.), and 3) the institutional ambition at TASO to develop a Southern-led research agenda. This is one of the few studies to document the development of a Southern-led research agenda in addition to the challenges of engaging in the research process. Mechanisms for moderating power dynamics within North-South partnerships can provide opportunities for improved research capacity and quality.

Mentoring Policy Research Organizations: Project Evaluation Results

The international community has identified a positive link between good governance and economic development. There is an increasing appreciation of the effective role that local policy research organizations (PROs) in transition and developing countries can play in providing evidence-based policy recommendations as the basis for sound legislation and in assessing the efficacy of existing programs. Capacity building programs for PROs are seen as a key component of growth strategies. The donor community has responded with support for such efforts, which take many forms. On the other hand, the evaluation of the effectiveness of these capacity building and mentoring programs has been inadequate. This article presents the evaluation of one program, focusing on two important capacity building program outcomes: improved research capacity and greater effectiveness in the policy arena. A reflexive design is used. The results suggest the program’s approach is promising.

Ageing research directions for Australia

Ageing research directions for Australia

Evidence‐based medicine training in a resource‐poor country, the importance of leveraging personal and institutional relationships

Efforts to implement evidence-based medicine (EBM) training in developing countries are limited. We describe the results of an international effort to improve research capacity in a developing country; we conducted a course aimed at improving basic EBM attitudes and identified challenges. Between 2005 and 2009, we conducted an annual 3-day course in Perú consisting of interactive lectures and case-based workshops. We assessed self-reported competence and importance in EBM using a Likert scale (1 = low, 5 = high). Totally 220 clinicians participated. For phase I (2005-2007), self-reported EBM competence increased from a median of 2 to 3 (P < 0.001) and the perceived importance of EBM did not change (median = 5). For phase II (2008-2009), before the course, 8-72% graded their competence very low (score of 1-2). After the course, 67-92% of subjects graded their increase in knowledge very high (score of 4-5). The challenges included limited availability of studies relevant to the local reality written in Spanish, participants' limited time and lack of long-term follow-up on practice change. Informal discussion and written evaluation from participants were universally in agreement that more training in EBM is needed. In an EBM course in a resource-poor country, the baseline self-reported competence and experience on EBM were low, and the course had measurable improvements of self-reported competence, perceived utility and readiness to incorporate EBM into their practices. Similar to developed countries, translational research and building the research capacity in developing countries is critical for translating best available evidence into practice.

Evaluating Capacity Building for Policy Research Organizations

The international community has identified a positive link between good governance and economic development. There is an increasing appreciation of the effective role that local policy research organizations (PROs) can play in providing evidence-based policy recommendations as the basis for sound legislation and in assessing the efficacy of existing programs. Capacity building programs for PROs are seen as a key component of growth strategies. The donor community has responded with support for such efforts, which take many forms. The evaluation of the impact of these capacity building and mentoring programs has been inadequate. This paper sets out some general points for the development of effective program evaluation and suggests concrete ways to measure two more important capacity building program outcomes: improved research capacity and greater effectiveness in the policy arena.

Evaluating the Improved Research Capacity of EPSCoR States: R&amp;D Funding and Collaborative Networks in the NSF EPSCoR Program

AbstractStates vary considerably in their ability to attract federal research and development (R&amp;D) sources. The National Science Foundation (NSF) Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) was created in the late 1970s and was designed to enhance the research capacity of less competitive states in seeking federal research funds. How has EPSCoR improved research capacity in its member states? To date, little evaluation of EPSCoR as a program, or even within individual states, has occurred, and those studies that have been conducted have taken a statewide, macro‐level approach. We argue that a social‐capital‐based approach that addresses capacity development among EPSCoR recipients provides important scientist‐level data that can best address capacity development issues. In this article, we first examine the data of federal academic R&amp;D obligations in order to analyze one of the direct outcomes of capacity building. We conduct a descriptive statistical analysis on the changing share of federal academic R&amp;D obligations for individual states in recent years. Second, using an NSF‐sponsored survey of scientists in the 50 states, we present data on distinctions between scientists in EPSCoR versus non‐EPSCoR states, as well as differences between scientists who have been involved in EPSCoR versus those who have not. From our analysis we find important evidence of capacity development in EPSCoR states. Perhaps most importantly, our results provide an important first step in identifying relevant evaluative issues for EPSCoR.

What challenges does mental and neurological health research face in Latin American countries?

The World Health Organization Atlas Project identified important deficiencies in world mental and neurological health resources. These deficiencies, especially evident in low and middle-income countries, can be overcome by improving research capacity. The objective of this study is to assess the status of mental and neurological research in Latin American countries and identify the main difficulties encountered in conducting research, publishing results, and shaping health policies, interventions, and programs. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 key informants from 13 Latin American countries. Participants reported that production of mental and neurological research in Latin American countries is low. Lack of financial and human resources, including lack of support from government agencies, were identified as the main factors contributing to the dearth of local research. The few research projects that do take place in Latin American countries are often funded at researchers' personal expense. Few policies, interventions, or programs are generated from research results. To address these deficiencies, participants called for training in research methodology, mechanisms for identifying funding opportunities, and greater recognition of their research products. Researchers and stakeholders recognize the need to mobilize local and international efforts aimed at strengthening research capacity and results implementation. This will lead to an overall optimization of mental and neurological research in the region.

Promoting a Writing Culture in Nursing

Promoting a Writing Culture in Nursing