Managing health research capacity strengthening consortia: a systematised review of the published literature

Abstract

BackgroundLocally relevant research is considered critical for advancing health and development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Accordingly, health research capacity strengthening (HRCS) efforts have intensified, increasingly through consortia. Yet, the knowledge base for managing such consortia is not well defined. This review aimed to ascertain the scope and quality of published literature on HRCS consortium management processes, management-related factors influencing consortium operations and outcomes, and the knowledge gaps.MethodsGiven the paucity of published HRCS literature, a ‘systematised review’ as outlined by Grant and Booth was conducted, modelling the systematic review process without restriction to research-based publications. A systematic search in PubMed and Scopus was carried out coupled with a manual search for papers using reference checking and citation searching. A quality appraisal of eligible articles using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool was undertaken. Thematic synthesis was used to analyse the extracted data.ResultsThe search identified 55 papers, made up of 18 empirical papers and 37 commentaries focusing on consortium-based HRCS initiatives involving LMICs and reporting management-related data. The review indicates increasing efforts being made in the HRCS field in reporting consortia outcomes. However, it highlights the dearth of high-quality empirical research on HRCS consortium management and the nascent nature of the field with most papers published after 2010. The available literature highlights the importance of relational management factors such as equity and power relations in influencing consortium success, though these factors were not explored in depth. Operational management processes and their role in the capacity strengthening pathway were rarely examined.ConclusionFindings indicate a weak evidence base for HRCS consortium management both in terms of quantity and conceptual depth, demonstrating the need for an expanded research effort to inform HRCS practice.

Review of published evidence on knowledge translation capacity, practice and support among researchers and research institutions in low- and middle-income countries

“…Therefore, there is limited understanding as to the extent to which researchers are engaged in KT or what types of supports or interventions encourage and enhance their KT practice. A LMIC-specific focus is warranted given the inherent challenges related to equity that LMIC researchers and research institutions face [25][26][27][28]. For instance, health research capacity in LMICs is insufficient [25][26][27].…”

“…A LMIC-specific focus is warranted given the inherent challenges related to equity that LMIC researchers and research institutions face [25][26][27][28]. For instance, health research capacity in LMICs is insufficient [25][26][27]. In addition, research in LMIC regions is largely funded by donors from high-income countries (HICs) and, typically, a requirement for accessing the funding is the formation of partnerships between LMIC and HIC researchers, which are led by the HIC researchers [25][26][27][28].…”

“…For instance, health research capacity in LMICs is insufficient [25][26][27]. In addition, research in LMIC regions is largely funded by donors from high-income countries (HICs) and, typically, a requirement for accessing the funding is the formation of partnerships between LMIC and HIC researchers, which are led by the HIC researchers [25][26][27][28]. These issues compromise the extent to which the research produced aligns to LMIC country research priorities, is perceived as relevant and credible, and is ultimately taken up in policy and practice [27,28].…”

Health Research Capacities in Palestine: High-quality and Proper Knowledge Transfer and Translation for Sound Decision-making

“…According to the framework of Pang et al, HRS aims to advance scientific knowledge and ensure the use of knowledge to improve health and equity. There is broad consensus among the community of science that high-quality knowledge should be generated and appropriately transferred and translated to support health decision-making and policy formulation, contributing to effective and efficient decisions by planners and policy-makers and professionals [2,4,6].…”

Health Research Capacities in Palestine: High-quality and Proper Knowledge Transfer and Translation for Sound Decision-making

“…challenges, yet the current capacity of many developing countries to conduct relevant and highquality, rigorous HR, and disseminate and translate findings into practices remains limited [1,2]. The knowledge produced by HR is a global public good, indispensable for improving the health of individuals and populations, developing evidence-informed policies and enhancing the performance of health systems (HSs) [3,4].…”