Year: 2022
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Many low-income and middle-income country (LMIC) researchers have disadvantages when applying for research grants. Crowdfunding may help LMIC researchers to fund their research. Crowdfunding organises large groups of people to make small contributions to support a research study. This manuscript synthesises global qualitative evidence and describes a Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR) crowdfunding pilot for LMIC researchers. METHODS: Our global systematic review and qualitative evidence synthesis searched six databases for qualitative data. We used a thematic synthesis approach and assessed our findings using the GRADE-CERQual approach. Building on the review findings, we organised a crowdfunding pilot to support LMIC researchers and use crowdfunding. The pilot provided an opportunity to assess the feasibility of crowdfunding for infectious diseases of poverty research in resource-constrained settings. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the qualitative evidence synthesis. We identified seven findings which we organised into three broad domains: public engagement strategies, correlates of crowdfunding success and risks and mitigation strategies. Our pilot data suggest that crowdfunding is feasible in diverse LMIC settings. Three researchers launched crowdfunding campaigns, met their goals and received substantial monetary (raising a total of US$26 546 across all three campaigns) and non-monetary contributions. Two researchers are still preparing for the campaign launch due to COVID-19-related difficulties. CONCLUSION: Public engagement provides a foundation for effective crowdfunding for health research. Our evidence synthesis and pilot data provide practical strategies for LMIC researchers to engage the public and use crowdfunding. A practical guide was created to facilitate these activities across multiple settings.
Source: BMJ Global Health
Authors: Eneyi Edith Kpokiri, Clarisse Sri-Pathmanathan, Priyanka Shrestha, Sana Navaid, Teerawat Wiwatpanit, Asha Wijegunawardana, Mahmud Ali Umar, Debra Jackson, Jackeline Alger, Meghan A Bohren, Mia Hoole, Meredith Labarda, Noel Juban, Pascal Launois, Weiming Tang, Beatrice Halpaap, Joseph D Tucker
Institutions: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, University of Washington, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, National Science and Technology Development Agency, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka, National Autonomous University of Honduras, Hospital Escuela Universitario, The University of Melbourne, University of the Philippines Manila, World Health Organization, Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases, Southern Medical University
Language: English
Subfield: Management Information Systems
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,679
OpenAlex ID: W4288075230