Training in eight low-and middle-income countries: lessons learned from a pilot study using the WHO-TDR dissemination and implementation massive open online course
Year: 2024
Type: article
Abstract: Introduction: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in low-and middle- income countries (LMICs). Despite this, a lack of funding, training and mentorship for NCD investigators in LMICs exists. In an effort to gain knowledge and skills to address these gaps, participants from the Global Research on Implementation and Translation Science (GRIT), a consortium of studies in eight LMICs and their networks, attended the dissemination and implementation (D&I) massive open online course (MOOC) developed by the Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases at the World Health Organization to strengthen D&I capacity building. Here, we report on the pilot of this MOOC, which was implemented during the SARS COVID-19 pandemic from April- November 2020. Methods: Participants completed pre-and post-training questionnaires to assess self-reported D&I competencies, general research skills, and research mentor access and quality. D&I competencies were measured by use of a scale developed for a US-based training program, with change in competency scores assessed by paired t test. We used univariate statistics to analyze the data for all other outcomes. Results: Of the 247 participants enrolled, 32 (13%) completed all course requirements, 21 (9%) completed the pre-and post-surveys and are included in the analysis. D&I competency scores suggest improvement for those who had complete pre- and post-assessments. Trainee's average score on the full competency scale improved 1.45 points (0-5 scale) from pre- to post-test; all four subscales also showed evidence of improvements. There were small but not significant increases in competencies for grant writing, proposal/ manuscript writing and presentations from pre- to post-test assessment. 40% of trainees reported access to a research mentor and 12% reported access to a D&I specific mentor. Participants reported barriers (e.g., unstable internet access and challenges due to COVID-19) and facilitators (e.g., topical interests, collaboration with colleagues) to completing the MOOC. Conclusions: Although COVID-19 affected program usage and completion, the MOOC was feasible. We also had signals of effectiveness, meaning among LMIC participants completing the course, there was improvement in self-report D&I competency scores. Recommendations for future D&I trainings in LMICs include (1) adding more topic specific modules (i.e., NCD research, general research skills) for scalability; (2) fostering more collaboration with participants across LMICs; and (3) establishing partnerships with D&I mentors for course participants.
Source: Frontiers in Health Services
Authors: Ashlin Rakhra, Cole Hooley, Meredith P. Fort, Mary Beth Weber, LeShawndra Price, Hoa L. Nguyen, Manuel Ramirez, Adamson S. Muula, Mina Hosseinipour, Kingsley Apusiga, Victor Davila-Roman, Joyce Gyamfi, Kezia Gladys Amaning Adjei, Josephine Andesia, Annette Fitzpatrick, Pascal Launois, Ana A. Baumann
Institutions: New York University, Brigham Young University, Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz, Emory University, National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Institute of Nutrition of Central America and Panama, University of Malawi, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Washington University in St. Louis, Moi University, AMPATH, University of Washington, World Health Organization, Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,125
Awards: Strengthening Referral Networks for Management of Hypertension Across the Health System (STRENGTHS), Conquering Hypertension in Vietnam: Solutions at Grassroots level, Uptake of Task shifting strategy for blood pressure control in Community health planning services: A mixed method study, Building Heart, Lung, Blood and Sleep Diseases and Disorders Late-Stage Translation Phase 4 Research Capacity in Malawi, Developing T4 Translational Research Capacity for Control of Hypertension in Rwanda, G322088026, Translational Research Capacity Building Initiative to Address Cardiovascular Diseases in Nepal, Implementing a Multicomponent Intervention to Improve Hypertension Control in Central America, Integrated Tracking, Referral, and Algorithmic Management (I-TREC) System for Hypertension and Diabetes
OpenAlex ID: W4391033732