Article type
Abstract
Background
Structured Operational Research Training IniTiative (SORT-IT) is a global partnership coordinated by TDR/WHO Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases implemented with health institutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). SORT-IT strengthens health systems by developing operational research (OR) capacities of workers within government ministries in health care, environment, and agriculture. The training provides participants with research and communication skills to use the data to answer priority questions. With a unique emphasis on immediate application of the skills learned, SORT-IT enables participating institutions to move from being "data rich" to "information and action rich." Achieving this goal requires dedicated knowledge translation (KT) systems at individual, institutional, and system levels. Cognizant that health research is only as good as its ultimate use for decision-making, SORT-IT deliberately develops and mentors researchers in adaptive knowledge management and translation.
Approach
Global KT specialists curated the inaugural SORT-IT KT module structure and content in December 2019. A key aspect of the KT training is that it proactively mentors the researchers to shape evidence through engagement with key stakeholders and promoting intended uses. This KT module has been embedded into the SORT-IT training program to amplify evidence impact. Evidence briefs, lightning talks, and videos highlighting the KT work in more than 80 projects in LMICs are publicly available.
Engagement
Since 2009 more than 1,000 operational researchers across more than 90 LMICs in 4 continents have been engaged in this training program. Issues tackled include antimicrobial resistance, snake bite treatment, and tuberculosis, among others. Initial reflections have demonstrated the training being associated with increased evidence use by key stakeholders, enhanced networks across researcher cohorts working on similar issues, and training innovations.
Implications
Learning from the SORT-IT experience indicates enhanced uptake of evidence and actions based on local research findings. Further integration of KT as integral to the research-action endeavor includes planning for self-directed, online KT training on a broader scale. An additional outcome has been institutional ownership demonstrated by the spinoffs of SORT-IT within their alumni countries. This model has implications for donors and other cohort support programs seeking to enhance capacity-building strategies for knowledge translation and dissemination.
Structured Operational Research Training IniTiative (SORT-IT) is a global partnership coordinated by TDR/WHO Special Program for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases implemented with health institutions in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). SORT-IT strengthens health systems by developing operational research (OR) capacities of workers within government ministries in health care, environment, and agriculture. The training provides participants with research and communication skills to use the data to answer priority questions. With a unique emphasis on immediate application of the skills learned, SORT-IT enables participating institutions to move from being "data rich" to "information and action rich." Achieving this goal requires dedicated knowledge translation (KT) systems at individual, institutional, and system levels. Cognizant that health research is only as good as its ultimate use for decision-making, SORT-IT deliberately develops and mentors researchers in adaptive knowledge management and translation.
Approach
Global KT specialists curated the inaugural SORT-IT KT module structure and content in December 2019. A key aspect of the KT training is that it proactively mentors the researchers to shape evidence through engagement with key stakeholders and promoting intended uses. This KT module has been embedded into the SORT-IT training program to amplify evidence impact. Evidence briefs, lightning talks, and videos highlighting the KT work in more than 80 projects in LMICs are publicly available.
Engagement
Since 2009 more than 1,000 operational researchers across more than 90 LMICs in 4 continents have been engaged in this training program. Issues tackled include antimicrobial resistance, snake bite treatment, and tuberculosis, among others. Initial reflections have demonstrated the training being associated with increased evidence use by key stakeholders, enhanced networks across researcher cohorts working on similar issues, and training innovations.
Implications
Learning from the SORT-IT experience indicates enhanced uptake of evidence and actions based on local research findings. Further integration of KT as integral to the research-action endeavor includes planning for self-directed, online KT training on a broader scale. An additional outcome has been institutional ownership demonstrated by the spinoffs of SORT-IT within their alumni countries. This model has implications for donors and other cohort support programs seeking to enhance capacity-building strategies for knowledge translation and dissemination.