Evaluation of Ebola virus disease surveillance system capability to promptly detect a new outbreak in Liberia

Background It is widely recognized that use of research evidence to guide health policy and practice could lead to adoption of life-saving interventions and more effective resource allocation. However, the skills around research utilization are often assumed and rarely taught, particularly in low- and middle-income country contexts. Here we present a set of competency areas and learning objectives developed for institutionalization of research utilization across health professions schools in Liberia. Ahead of implementation and to gauge their perceived value and utility, a participatory formative evaluation was undertaken. Methods Focus group discussions were held to gain feedback on a set of research utilization learning objectives and the proposed implementation approach. Focus group participants were drawn from faculty and students at the University of Liberia College of Health Sciences (ULCHS), which houses the country’s only medical and pharmacy schools, along with schools of public health and nursing and midwifery. ULCHS serves an essential role in the health workforce pipeline. Results Findings from the focus group discussions identified a limited understanding of research utilization at the ULCHS but a demand for stronger understanding of research methodology and evidence. Participants identified clear examples of how the skills represented in the learning objectives could help specifically their personal careers as well as more broadly the health sector of Liberia. Potential challenges were noted around the incorporation of research utilization learning objectives into existing courses and tended to be logistical (for example, poor internet connectivity and low digital literacy) or around lack of foundational understanding and skills (for example, lack of experience with literature searches and reviews). However, the approach was generally perceived as contextually aware since it would not add new courses, which come with credit fees and extra time commitment, and would focus on practical skills-building rather than theoretical content. Conclusions Integrating research utilization learning objectives into existing curricula in health professions schools is expected to enhance uptake and application of research evidence in the Liberian health sector, as students emerge from the workforce pipeline to fill positions in clinical and policy settings. The success of the approach will warrant ongoing evaluation, along with mentorship of faculty, to increasingly incorporate skills and content of local relevance into courses.

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Enhancing quantitative capacity for the health sector in post-Ebola Liberia, a tracer study of a locally developed and owned coding and biostatistics program

Barcon,

Yeabah,

Kromah

et al. 2024

F1000Res

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Background Despite the demonstrated value of quantitative research in understanding and responding to public health events, analytics capability is not always prioritized or available in settings that would greatly benefit from it. In Liberia, there are no university degree-granting programs in biostatistics or mathematical modeling, promoting dependence on external technical assistance. To address the gap, a local NGO, Quantitative-Data for Decision-Making (Q4D), was founded to enhance capacity and opportunities for analyzing quantitative data among Liberians. Methods To understand the relevance, utility, and impact of the skills being taught at Q4D, a tracer study was undertaken with current and former students. Participants completed an online survey that evaluated how often and in what ways they are applying course skills, as well as any personal or professional advancement they have attributed to their learning of coding and/or biostatistics through the program. Results Among 43 participants, 81% reported a high level of confidence in independently applying skills learned through Q4D classes in their jobs and/or academic programs. Most participants (81%) responded that they were actively demonstrating the skills they acquired; 74% were teaching the skills to others. Among the 83% of employed participants who reported using the skills currently in their jobs, 56% rated the skills they learned as very or extremely useful in their current positions. Several students attributed salary increments, consultancy opportunities, and scholarships to the skills gained through the program. Conclusions Program skills are being applied by students employed in health-related sectors, suggesting that the training content is relevant and useful for addressing some of the workforce’s analysis needs. Moreover, skills built through the program have positively impacted students by preparing them with the skills required for additional employment and training opportunities to advance in-country health research capacity and reduce inequities.

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Evaluation of Ebola virus disease surveillance system capability to promptly detect a new outbreak in Liberia

Cited by 3 publications

References 22 publications

The synergies between international health regulations and One Health in safeguarding global health security

The synergies between international health regulations and One Health in safeguarding global health security

Research utilization competency development in the health workforce pipeline: Design and formative evaluation of learning objectives for health professions students

Enhancing quantitative capacity for the health sector in post-Ebola Liberia, a tracer study of a locally developed and owned coding and biostatistics program

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