Building capacity for information and communication technology use in global health research and training in China: a qualitative study among Chinese health sciences faculty members

Abstract

BackgroundThe demand to use information and communications technology (ICT) in education and research has grown fast among researchers and educators working in global health. However, access to ICT resources and the capacity to use them in global health research remains limited among developing country faculty members. In order to address the global health needs and to design an ICT-related training course, we herein explored the Chinese health science faculty members’ perceptions and learning needs for ICT use.MethodsNine focus groups discussions (FGDs) were conducted during December 2015 to March 2016, involving 63 faculty members working in areas of health sciences from six universities in China. All FGDs were audio recorded and analysed thematically.ResultsThe findings suggest that the understandings of ICT were not clear among many researchers; some thought that the concept of ICT was too wide and ambiguous. Most participants were able to cite examples of ICT application in their research and teaching activities. Positive attitudes and high needs of ICT use and training were common among most participants. Recommendations for ICT training included customised training programmes focusing on a specific specialty, maintaining a balance between theories and practical applications, more emphasis on the application of ICT, and skills in finding the required information from the bulk information available in the internet. Suggestions regarding the format and offering of training included short training programmes, flexible timing, lectures with practicum opportunities, and free of charge or with very minimal cost to the participants. Two participants suggested the linking of ICT-related training courses with faculty members’ year-end assessment and promotion.ConclusionsThis study among health sciences faculty members in China demonstrated a high level of need and interest in learning about ICT use in research and training. The results have important implications for the design and implementation of ICT-related educational programmes in China and other developing countries.

Perceptions, attitudes and practices of information and communication technology use in health related research among the health sciences faculty members in medical universities in southern China

“…This indicates the fact that despite the wide use of ICT skills in faculty members, formal ICT training courses were lacking, underscoring the need for organized training program to ensure accurate and standardized knowledge among the faculty members. Based on this situation, a ICT training course in these universities would contribute to great benefits [22]. In this study, faculty members with longer working seniority tended to use ICT in their work.…”

“…The online data was collected during December 2016 to March 2017. The questionnaire was developed based on our earlier qualitative study among the health sciences faculty members [22] and was pilot tested with ten faculty members. The questionnaire gathered data on: demographic characteristics (age, gender, professional level, working university, number of years working in the field, focused research field and highest educational attainment), questions on ICT use, use of ICT tools, suggested content for an ICT curriculum and form of marketing approaches and attitudes towards ICT use.…”

‘Knowledge for better health’ revisited – the increasing significance of health research systems: a review by departing Editors-in-Chief

“…In 2012, Bennett et al [ 17 ] conducted a comparative study on approaches to developing the capacity of a health policy analysis institute in each of six countries (Bangladesh, Ghana, India, South Africa, Uganda and Vietnam). A recent study examined the building of capacity for information and communication technology use in global health research and training in China [ 18 ].…”

Improving Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Knowledge and Skills to Develop Health Research Capacity in Kenya

“…Many of these ICT tools are accessible and freely available on the internet or as open source software [3,7]. While innovative ICT practices would have the highest impact on health research and patient care in resource-limited settings [8], these areas often have the lowest ICT uptake and utilization rates of anywhere in the world [9,10].…”

“…Lack of knowledge and skills have been identified as primary barriers to the use of ICT tools among health researchers in resource-limited settings [10][11][12], and there is an increasingly recognized need for improved access to ICT training opportunities for health researchers worldwide. It is clear that international collaboration is vitally important for building research capacity in resource limited academic centers [13], and also clear that ICT tools can improve the efficiency of multinational research projects that span cultures, languages and time zones [14,15].…”