Development of Health Research Capacity Dr Namrita Mesuria BDS FSMed

Need for research Research capacity is weak in developing countries Analysis of the burden of illnesses and their determinants to identify and set priorities among health problems Investigate and answer problems The development of new tools and methodologies to measure and promote health equity To advance understanding of disease

Need for research Evidence based medicine Interdisciplinary approach Facilitate development & understanding of computer skills

Need for research Increase scientific knowledge Improve patient care Develop critical thinking Clinicians help 1 person but a researcher helps all people

What is health research capacity Ability to define problems Set objectives and priorities Identify solutions to national health problems Use results effectively

Barriers and Challenges Priority setting No demand for research at work Political instability Allocation and mobilization of resources Dissemination and utilization of resources Funding

Support for research Joining national, regional and international organizations Local, regional, global grants Data bases for developing countries – HINARI, WHO Follow guidelines for conducting research Available forum for publication

Research process Problem identification Literature review Objectives Methodology –Ethics approval, consent –Sampling –Data entry and analysis Results and discussion Dissemination of findings

Research potential of new graduates Technical skills Collaboration network Wide dissemination of findings Funding and assistance from NGOs, international agencies Multi-sectorial approach to health

Recommendations Involve policy-makers and community Effective use of human resources Set up research groups Appropriate research training/mentoring Seek guidance from local/international research bodies

Recommendations Utilize technical skills of new graduates Incorporate a research requirement as job description Provide incentives – promotion Wide dissemination of data Establish an electronic database Improve access to internet

References Pryor J & Morse Z, Fiji Report on National Health Research Systems Workshop 15, 16 May 2007 Ali S, Strengthening Health Research Capacity of Nurses – The Need for Evidence Based Practice, 2008 Chitr S & Ratana S, Strengthening health research capacity in developing countries: a critical element for achieving health equity, BMJ 2000;321:

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