Article type
Abstract
Background:
The African Rehabilitation Network (ARN) began as a group of rehabilitation professionals (RPs) dedicated to improving African rehabilitation evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has become a group with a broader focus on providing support and evidence for rehabilitation in Africa. The engagement of RPs in research activities to design and implement interventions effectively is often limited, hindering evidence-based practices tailored to Africa. It is, therefore, vital to build research capacity and greater evidence use among African RPs.
Objective:
To summarize the research needs and engagement of RPs practising in Africa.
Methods:
The ARN developed a descriptive cross-sectional design using an online survey (Qualtrics), and administered during January and February 2024. The survey link was distributed to African RP individuals and professional associations within the continent. Data collection activities adhered to ethical guidelines.
Preliminary Results:
We report on the demographic characteristics of the respondents (including location, gender, professional backgrounds, length of time in practice, age, and education) and postgraduate research qualifications, involvement in research activities, publications, and presentation at conferences. Current data demonstrates a research-engaged group, with over 40% of participants engaged in at least one study and more than 10% involved in more than five research studies in the past five years as lead investigators. The types of research which participants engaged in included RCTs, observational studies, epidemiological studies, qualitative studies, and case studies. More than 60% of RPs reported spending less than 5 hours per week on average on research.
Participants reported on opportunities for engaging in funded research projects, including conducting research as part of their clinical role. Priority needs and barriers for RPs to generate evidence were identified, including lack of funding, research skills, opportunities, time, support from seniors, mentorship, and collaboration. Most respondents expressed interest in developing evidence and using research evidence in their practice.
Conclusion:
African RPs are engaged in evidence development and use. This study seeks to contribute to adequate and culturally relevant rehabilitation services by focusing on evidence-based practices and shifting African policy to include rehabilitation research.
The African Rehabilitation Network (ARN) began as a group of rehabilitation professionals (RPs) dedicated to improving African rehabilitation evidence during the COVID-19 pandemic. It has become a group with a broader focus on providing support and evidence for rehabilitation in Africa. The engagement of RPs in research activities to design and implement interventions effectively is often limited, hindering evidence-based practices tailored to Africa. It is, therefore, vital to build research capacity and greater evidence use among African RPs.
Objective:
To summarize the research needs and engagement of RPs practising in Africa.
Methods:
The ARN developed a descriptive cross-sectional design using an online survey (Qualtrics), and administered during January and February 2024. The survey link was distributed to African RP individuals and professional associations within the continent. Data collection activities adhered to ethical guidelines.
Preliminary Results:
We report on the demographic characteristics of the respondents (including location, gender, professional backgrounds, length of time in practice, age, and education) and postgraduate research qualifications, involvement in research activities, publications, and presentation at conferences. Current data demonstrates a research-engaged group, with over 40% of participants engaged in at least one study and more than 10% involved in more than five research studies in the past five years as lead investigators. The types of research which participants engaged in included RCTs, observational studies, epidemiological studies, qualitative studies, and case studies. More than 60% of RPs reported spending less than 5 hours per week on average on research.
Participants reported on opportunities for engaging in funded research projects, including conducting research as part of their clinical role. Priority needs and barriers for RPs to generate evidence were identified, including lack of funding, research skills, opportunities, time, support from seniors, mentorship, and collaboration. Most respondents expressed interest in developing evidence and using research evidence in their practice.
Conclusion:
African RPs are engaged in evidence development and use. This study seeks to contribute to adequate and culturally relevant rehabilitation services by focusing on evidence-based practices and shifting African policy to include rehabilitation research.