Background: Formal and sustainable structures based on a centre with branches model are important in ensuring the sustainability and continuity of the Cochrane Collaborations activities and output. However, political, economic, time and cultural factors may complicate and even limit the establishment of formal research groups. Informal groups can provide an alternative way of involving clinicians and researchers in the Collaboration and thereby increasing the output and dissemination of Cochrane reviews. Objectives: To evaluate the processes for building research capacity within three informal networks linked to the Cochrane Collaboration: The Iranian Cochrane informal network (ICInet), the Virtual training and mentoring international network (ViTaMIN project) and the Brazilian Oral Health Group. Methods: We used the framework proposed by Cooke 2005 to evaluate the three networks. We evaluated the research capacity build-up at structural level and also determined which principles had been used in building capacity. Results: All three networks had individual and organization support levels; however, whilst the individual support was more robust, the organizational support level was informal. The three networks and the collaborative spirit within the Cochrane Collaboration ensured that the networks were able to develop linkages and produce partnerships to help support building of research capacity. This was by way of helping individuals develop the necessary skills which are essential to the systematic review process especially for clinicians, by improving levels of confidence and by ensuring that the research was relevant to current practice which was enabled through the involvement of clinicians and consumers. The networks also supported the dissemination of Cochrane reviews. However, the strategies to ensure sustainability and continuity were limited. Conclusion: Informal networks have the ability to support capacity building for systematic reviews; however, additional strategies need to be developed to ensure the sustainability and continuity of informal networks.
Reference: Cooke J. A framework to evaluate research capacity building in health care. BMC Fam Pract. 2005 Oct 27;6:44.