Implementation, Outputs, and Cost of a National Operational Research Training in Rwanda

Abstract

Background: Training and mentorship in research skills are essential to developing a critical mass of researchers in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, reporting on the details of such training programs, especially regarding the cost of the training, is limited. Objectives: This paper describes a year-long operational research training and mentorship course in Rwanda, implemented between 2013 and 2017. Approach: We describe motivations for the design of the Intermediate Operational Research Training Course (IORT) across four iterations. We also report outputs, evaluate trainee experiences, and estimate training and mentorship costs. Findings: Of the 132 applicants to the course, 55 (41.7%) were selected, and 53 (96.4%) completed the training. The ratio of female-to-male trainees in the course increased from 1:8 in 2013 to 1:3 in 2017. Trainees developed and co-first-authored 28 research manuscripts, 96.4% (n = 27) of which are published in peer-reviewed journals. For the 15 trainees who completed the post-course evaluation, 93.3% and 86.7% reported improvement in their research and analytical skills, respectively. The median cost per trainee to complete the course was US$908

Capacity building in operational research on obstetric fistula: Experience in the Democratic Republic of Congo, 2017–2021

“…First, SORT‐IT and Blended SORT‐IT use rigorous and competitive selection criteria to select individuals, usually from large target audiences 6,9 . Likewise, participants in the IORT are identified through rigorous selection criteria 10 .…”

“…First, SORT‐IT and Blended SORT‐IT use rigorous and competitive selection criteria to select individuals, usually from large target audiences. 6 , 9 Likewise, participants in the IORT are identified through rigorous selection criteria. 10 In contrast, the FORT selects local research teams composed of healthcare workers from participating sites or services with different research backgrounds.…”

“…The model has been revised and adapted, 7,8 including at the country level where several local SORT‐IT initiatives have been implemented (e.g. in Rwanda, known as Intermediate Operational Research Training; IORT), 9 Kenya, 10 and Pakistan 11 . Depending on local needs, available resources, and absorptive capacity, programs and countries choose the format that suits their context 1,12,13 .…”

“… 11 Depending on local needs, available resources, and absorptive capacity, programs and countries choose the format that suits their context. 1 , 12 , 13 Apart from Médecins Sans Frontières , whose pioneering role in the popularization of operational research is recognized worldwide 14 , 15 and the more recent Rwandan experience, 9 few SORT‐IT‐like initiatives implemented by non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) have been reported to date, although NGOs contribute to the development and expansion of local operational research capacity in their various intervention settings.…”

An Approach to Building Equitable Global Health Research Collaborations

“…Secondly, we have institutionalized the Intermediate Operational Research Training Course [6] which involves a hands-on mentored research experience intended to lead to a first publication for a research team within one year. This training itself is a manifestation of our partnership.…”