Varshini Varadaraj1, Anju Ranjit2, Joseph Nwadiuko3, Joseph Canner4, Marie Diener-West5, Eric B Schneider6, Sadras Panchatcharam Thyagarajan7, Rajeev Shrestha8, Neeraja Nagarajan4. 1. Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA. 2. Center for Surgery and Public Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 1620 Tremont St, Boston, MA, USA. 3. Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA. 4. Department of Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA. 5. Department of Biostatistics, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 615 N Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD, USA. 6. Department of Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, 1215 Lee St, Charlottesville, VA, USA. 7. Sri Ramachandra University, No. 1, Ramachandra Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India. 8. Departments of Research Development and Medical Education, Kathmandu University, Dhulikhel, Nepal.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Biomedical research from high-income countries often informs practice and policy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with vastly different socioeconomic and health systems. Engagement of LMIC-based researchers is integral to setting research priorities in the local context. METHODS: A program, comprising a research seminar and workshop, and utilizing diaspora health professionals to understand research needs and build research capacity in LMICs, was created and pilot-tested at two institutions in India (65 participants) and Nepal (30 participants). Pre- and post-program surveys were instituted to assess participants' attitudes towards research. RESULTS: In the pre-program survey, most participants (India: 76%, Nepal: 100%) perceived research as 'very/extremely important' in their careers. However, a majority felt that finding time (India: 75%, Nepal: 81%) and funding (India: 82%, Nepal: 100%) for research was 'difficult/very difficult'. After the program, 86-91% and 86-100% of participants from India and Nepal, respectively, felt that the various courses were very useful/useful for their research careers. CONCLUSIONS: Research is seen as an integral part of educational training and career advancement in LMICs. However, inadequate training, funding and mentorship remain a challenge. Engagement of diaspora health workers may serve as an important avenue for collaborative biomedical research capacity strengthening in LMICs.
BACKGROUND: Biomedical research from high-income countries often informs practice and policy in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with vastly different socioeconomic and health systems. Engagement of LMIC-based researchers is integral to setting research priorities in the local context. METHODS: A program, comprising a research seminar and workshop, and utilizing diaspora health professionals to understand research needs and build research capacity in LMICs, was created and pilot-tested at two institutions in India (65 participants) and Nepal (30 participants). Pre- and post-program surveys were instituted to assess participants' attitudes towards research. RESULTS: In the pre-program survey, most participants (India: 76%, Nepal: 100%) perceived research as 'very/extremely important' in their careers. However, a majority felt that finding time (India: 75%, Nepal: 81%) and funding (India: 82%, Nepal: 100%) for research was 'difficult/very difficult'. After the program, 86-91% and 86-100% of participants from India and Nepal, respectively, felt that the various courses were very useful/useful for their research careers. CONCLUSIONS: Research is seen as an integral part of educational training and career advancement in LMICs. However, inadequate training, funding and mentorship remain a challenge. Engagement of diaspora health workers may serve as an important avenue for collaborative biomedical research capacity strengthening in LMICs.
Authors: Georgia A Williamson; Shelly Rodrigo; Natalie Guthrie-Dixon; Elizabeth Blackman; J Robert Beck; Ian Hambleton; Althea Bailey; Tomlin Paul; Camille C Ragin; Marshall K Tulloch-Reid Journal: Rev Panam Salud Publica Date: 2021-04-06
Authors: Clara E Busse; Elizabeth W Anderson; Tamrat Endale; Yolanda Regina Smith; Marie Kaniecki; Carol Shannon; Ella T August Journal: BMJ Glob Health Date: 2022-02
Authors: Holly M Cassell; Elizabeth S Rose; Troy D Moon; Halima Bello-Manga; Muktar H Aliyu; Wilbroad Mutale Journal: BMC Med Educ Date: 2022-02-14 Impact factor: 3.263