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Bakhshi SK, Abdul Rahim K, Merchant AAH, Afzal N, Qadeer Shaikh N, Noorali AA, Lakhdir MPA, Mahmood SBZ, Tariq M, Haider AH. Barriers to research productivity amongst postgraduate trainees: results from a survey of 333 medical and surgical residents. Postgrad Med J 2023; 99:1182-1188. [PMID: 37544657 DOI: 10.1093/postmj/qgad062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE We aimed to determine the perceptions of, barriers to, and predictors of research engagement amongst residents at a national level in Pakistan. METHODS This cross-sectional study used REDCap for online survey dissemination to residents from 12 institutes accredited by the national accreditation body (College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan) for core medical and surgical specialties. Logistic regression was used to estimate associations between likelihood of publications and participant characteristics. RESULTS The response rate was 79% (333/423), with 171 (51%) medical and 162 (49%) surgical residents. The mean ± standard deviation age was 28.8 ± 2.7 years; 137 (41%) were males and 195 (59%) females. More than half the residents, 202 (61%), had received research training, but 189 (57%) scored <33% on basic research knowledge. While most residents agreed on the positive impact of research on their careers (P = .012) and realized that they should be involved in it (P = .33), they also strongly believed that it was difficult to engage in research during training (P < .01). Only 60 (18%) trainees had published a paper in local and 37 (11%) in international journals, respectively. The most significant barriers to conducting research included time limitation due to clinical work, lack of financial support, and unavailability of data (P < .01). CONCLUSION Residents have a positive attitude towards research. However, research engagement among residents is low. Improving research mentorship and creating systems that enable protected time and institutional access to data are needed to increase research output of postgraduate trainees. Key messages What is already known on this topic Postgraduate trainees benefit academically from research conducted during residency training. However, in low- and middle-income countries like Pakistan, research output among residents has remained low over the years. The nation has consistently produced very little research. What this study adds The current study helped shed light on the reasons for low research productivity amongst medical and surgical residents in Pakistan. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy The potential predictors for low research involvement highlighted in this study necessitate modification of the existing national residency curriculum to increase research engagement and productivity among residents. Not only can the potential factors be improved, but the study also helps in bringing stakeholders' attention to increasing research opportunities in Pakistan.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saqib K Bakhshi
- Section of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Komal Abdul Rahim
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
- Dean's Office, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Asma A H Merchant
- Dean's Office, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Noreen Afzal
- Dean's Office, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Namra Qadeer Shaikh
- Dean's Office, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Ali A Noorali
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | | | - Saad B Z Mahmood
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq
- Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
| | - Adil H Haider
- Dean's Office, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
- Department of Surgery, Medical College, Aga Khan University, Karachi, 74800, Pakistan
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Saab R, Santana V, Obeid A, Devidas M, Belgaumi A, Bhakta N, Naidu P, Saha V, Sultan I, Arora RS, Mukoka L, Jeha S. Addressing the Gap in Research Methodologies Education in Pediatric Oncology in the Eastern Mediterranean Region. JCO Glob Oncol 2023; 9:e2200295. [PMID: 36780591 PMCID: PMC10166560 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Formal training in clinical research methodologies is limited in limited-resource countries. Through collaboration among high- and middle-resource settings and in response to an identified need verbalized by regional pediatric oncology practitioners, Pediatric Oncology East & Mediterranean Group and St Jude Global developed a workshop focused on capacity building in research skills. Here, we describe its structure, implementation, and early results. METHODS Leveraging virtual capabilities, the format included lectures and small group breakout exercise sessions, for 3 hours per day on 2 consecutive days per week for 2 consecutive weeks. Topics included basics of study design, introduction to health care statistics, research ethics, data registries, and scientific writing. Applicants were required to submit an abstract for a potential research project. Each breakout group selected one abstract for further development and presented the final version in a groupwide session. The participants' experience was evaluated through an online survey. RESULTS Attendance included 29 registrants from 12 countries and six disciplines. Each breakout group was assigned a themed category: cohort studies, clinical trials, or registries. Critical feedback from the breakout sessions helped strengthen the selected projects, which included a retrospective study, a prospective observational study, a prospective interventional study, and a registry proposal. After the workshop, participants were invited to further develop their original abstracts, and three proposals received additional mentoring, one of which was a multi-institutional prospective study that was subsequently submitted through the Pediatric Oncology East & Mediterranean Group network for implementation. The postworkshop survey revealed an overall highly positive experience, and feedback provided potential themes for future workshops. CONCLUSION This workshop demonstrated the potential for collaborative network partnerships in targeting research training gaps in pediatric oncology. Lessons learned will be applied to future workshops to strengthen research in limited-resource settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raya Saab
- Children's Cancer Institute, Department of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon.,Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Victor Santana
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.,Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Anas Obeid
- Children's Cancer Institute, Department of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Meenakshi Devidas
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Asim Belgaumi
- Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.,Department of Pediatrics, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Nickhill Bhakta
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Paula Naidu
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Vaskar Saha
- Tata Translational Cancer Research Centre, Tata Medical Center, Kolkata, India.,Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Ramandeep Singh Arora
- Pediatric Oncology Disease Management Group, Max Super-Specialty Hospital, New Delhi, India
| | - Lilly Mukoka
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
| | - Sima Jeha
- Department of Global Pediatric Medicine, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.,Department of Oncology, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN
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Cassell HM, Rose ES, Moon TD, Bello-Manga H, Aliyu MH, Mutale W. Strengthening research capacity through an intensive training program for biomedical investigators from low- and middle-income countries: the Vanderbilt Institute for Research Development and Ethics (VIRDE). BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:97. [PMID: 35164739 PMCID: PMC8842898 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03162-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Capacity strengthening initiatives aimed at increasing research knowledge and skills of investigators in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) have been implemented over the last several decades. With increased capacity, local investigators will have greater leadership in defining research priorities and impact policy change to help improve health outcomes. Evaluations of models of capacity strengthening programs are often limited to short-term impact. Noting the limitations of traditional output-based evaluations, we utilized a broader framework to evaluate the long-term impact of the Vanderbilt Institute in Research Development and Ethics (VIRDE), a decade-old intensive grant development practicum specifically tailored for investigators from LMICs. METHODS To assess the impact of VIRDE on the research careers of alumni over the past 10 years, we surveyed alumni on research engagement, grant productivity, career trajectory, and knowledge gained in grant writing. Descriptive statistics, including means and total counts, and paired sample t-tests were used to analyze the data. RESULTS Forty-six of 58 alumni completed the survey. All respondents returned to their home countries and are currently engaged in research. Post-VIRDE grant writing knowledge ratings were significantly greater than pre-VIRDE. The number of respondents submitting grants post-VIRDE was 2.6 times higher than before the program. Eighty-three percent of respondents submitted a total of 147 grants post-VIRDE, of which 45.6% were awarded. Respondents acknowledged VIRDE's positive impact on career growth and leadership, with 88% advancing in career stage. CONCLUSIONS Gains in grant writing knowledge and grant productivity suggest that VIRDE scholars built skills and confidence in grant writing during the program. A substantial proportion of respondents have advanced in their careers and continue to work in academia in their country of origin. Results show a sustained impact on the research careers of VIRDE alumni. The broader framework for research capacity strengthening resulted in an expansive assessment of the VIRDE program and alumni, illuminating successful program elements and implications that can inform similar capacity strengthening programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly M Cassell
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA.
| | - Elizabeth S Rose
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Health Policy, and Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Troy D Moon
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Health Policy, and Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Halima Bello-Manga
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital/Kaduna State University, Kaduna, Nigeria
| | - Muktar H Aliyu
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Health Policy, and Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Wilbroad Mutale
- Vanderbilt Institute for Global Health, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2525 West End Avenue Suite 750, Nashville, TN, 37203, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics, Health Policy, and Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Public Health, University of Zambia, Lusaka, Zambia
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Busse CE, Anderson EW, Endale T, Smith YR, Kaniecki M, Shannon C, August ET. Strengthening research capacity: a systematic review of manuscript writing and publishing interventions for researchers in low-income and middle-income countries. BMJ Glob Health 2022; 7:bmjgh-2021-008059. [PMID: 35165096 PMCID: PMC8845213 DOI: 10.1136/bmjgh-2021-008059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Health researchers from low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are under-represented in the academic literature. Scientific writing and publishing interventions may help researchers publish their findings; however, we lack evidence about the prevalence and effectiveness of such interventions. This review describes interventions for researchers in LMICs aimed at strengthening capacity for writing and publishing academic journal articles. METHODS We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to report literature searches in PubMed, Embase, Global Health, Scopus and ERIC. Our keywords included LMICs, low-income and middle-income countries, health research and writing/publication support interventions, with no restrictions on publication date. Our screening process consisted of title screening, abstract review and full-text review. We collected information about the content, implementation and evaluation of each intervention, if included. RESULTS We identified 20 interventions designed to strengthen capacity for scientific writing and publishing. We summarised information from the 14 interventions that reported submitted or published papers as outcomes separately, reasoning that because they provide quantifiable metrics of success, they may offer particular insights into intervention components leading to publication. The writing and publishing components in this 'Publications Reported' group were an average length of 5.4 days compared with 2.5 days in the other group we refer to as 'Other Interventions.' Whereas all 14 Publications Reported interventions incorporated mentors, only two of five in the Other Interventions group incorporated mentors. Across interventions, leaders expressed the importance of a high ratio of mentors to participants, the need to accommodate time demands of busy researchers, and the necessity of a budget for open access fees and high-quality internet connectivity. CONCLUSION Writing and publishing interventions in LMICs are an underutilised opportunity for capacity strengthening. To facilitate the implementation of high-quality interventions, future writing and publishing interventions should share their experiences by publishing detailed information about the approach and effectiveness of the interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara E Busse
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Elizabeth W Anderson
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Tamrat Endale
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yolanda Regina Smith
- Center for International Reproductive Health Training, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Marie Kaniecki
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Carol Shannon
- Taubman Health Sciences Library, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ella T August
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Taslakian EN, Garber K, Shekherdimian S. Diaspora engagement: a scoping review of diaspora involvement with strengthening health systems of their origin country. Glob Health Action 2022; 15:2009165. [PMID: 34904934 PMCID: PMC8676662 DOI: 10.1080/16549716.2021.2009165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Diaspora communities are a growing source of external aid and resources to address unmet needs of health systems of their homelands. Although numerous articles have been published, these endeavors as a whole have not been systematically assessed. OBJECTIVE Examine the available literature to assess activities through which diasporas engage with the health system in their origin country and what barriers they face in their interventions. METHODS This is a scoping review from 1990-2018 using the PRISMA-Scr framework to examine both peer-reviewed and gray literature on (1) specific activities through which diasporas contribute to the health system in their origin country; (2) major health needs diasporas have tried to address; and (3) barriers faced by diaspora healthcare efforts. RESULTS The initial search identified 119 articles, of which 45 were eligible after excluding non-relevant studies. These were case studies of diaspora contributions to health systems in their origin country (13), interviews (13), literature reviews (9), general articles on the topic (4), and correspondences or presentations (6). The healthcare needs diasporas have sought to address include health workforce emigration ('brain drain') (10), capacity building for research and training (10), inadequate infrastructure (5), and finances (4). Specific activities included short-term missions (11), establishing partnerships (9), emigration back to country of origin (8), specific research and training programs (8), and financial remittances (5). Specific barriers identified were most commonly financial need within the origin country (8), lack of sustainability (6), communication issues (6), lack of intention to return to the origin country (5), infrastructure (4), and political concerns (3). CONCLUSION Further research on how to expand the scope of and reduce barriers to diaspora engagement is needed to optimize the effectiveness of diaspora contributions to their origin countries. Metrics and standards should be developed for assessing impact of diaspora engagement and interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Editt N. Taslakian
- Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kent Garber
- Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shant Shekherdimian
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA,CONTACT Shant Shekherdimian Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Williamson GA, Rodrigo S, Guthrie-Dixon N, Blackman E, Beck JR, Hambleton I, Bailey A, Paul T, Ragin CC, Tulloch-Reid MK. A cross-sectional analysis of investigator needs for non-communicable disease research at the University of the West Indies, Mona. Rev Panam Salud Publica 2021; 45:e35. [PMID: 33833787 PMCID: PMC8021206 DOI: 10.26633/rpsp.2021.35] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the needs of academic staff conducting non-communicable disease (NCD) research at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus in Jamaica. METHODS Utilizing a cross-sectional design an online survey was created using the research electronic data capture application (REDCap); it was disseminated via email to 708 academic staff members in the Faculties of Medical Sciences and Science & Technology between September and November 2018. Participants were asked to indicate their level of access to expertise, training and equipment for conducting research. Descriptive analysis was conducted using STATA version 14. RESULTS Most respondents were women (74.2%), predominantly scientists (33.1%) or specialist physicians (22.6%). Less than 2/3 of respondents reported publishing research findings in peer reviewed journals, with a quarter not disseminating their research findings in any medium. Resources for field research/data collection, epidemiological methods and principles, and data management/data analysis were generally available. However, there was limited access to training, expertise and equipment in emerging techniques for NCD research such as metabolomics, bioinformatics/analysis of large-scale data sets and health economics. Additional challenges included limited access to financing for research, inadequate workspace and poor administrative support for conducting research. CONCLUSIONS There is a need for more local research seed funding, stronger administrative support for researchers, and opportunities for training in cutting edge NCD research techniques. Jamaican researchers could benefit from being part of a regional research centre of excellence with critical research skills and equipment that builds research networks and strengthens the NCD research response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia A Williamson
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research at The University of the West Indies (UWI)MonaJamaicaCaribbean Institute for Health Research at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Jamaica
| | - Shelly Rodrigo
- Caribbean Public Health AgencyTrinidad and TobagoCaribbean Public Health Agency, Trinidad and Tobago
| | - Natalie Guthrie-Dixon
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research at The University of the West Indies (UWI)MonaJamaicaCaribbean Institute for Health Research at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Jamaica
| | - Elizabeth Blackman
- Fox Chase Cancer CenterPhiladelphiaUnited States of AmericaFox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - J Robert Beck
- Fox Chase Cancer CenterPhiladelphiaUnited States of AmericaFox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Ian Hambleton
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research at UWICave HillBarbadosCaribbean Institute for Health Research at UWI, Cave Hill, Barbados
| | - Althea Bailey
- Department of Community Health and Psychiatry at UWIMonaJamaicaDepartment of Community Health and Psychiatry at UWI, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Tomlin Paul
- Faculty of Medical Sciences at UWIMonaJamaicaFaculty of Medical Sciences at UWI, Mona, Jamaica
| | - Camille C Ragin
- Fox Chase Cancer CenterPhiladelphiaUnited States of AmericaFox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, United States of America
| | - Marshall K Tulloch-Reid
- Caribbean Institute for Health Research at The University of the West Indies (UWI)MonaJamaicaCaribbean Institute for Health Research at The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, Jamaica
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