Operational research capacity building using 'The Union/MSF' model: adapting as we go along.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Education
• Research Capacity Building

Background:

• The Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT-IT) model, based on 'The Union/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)' approach, has been used since 2009 for operational research (OR) training.
• Previous iterations faced challenges including time constraints for data analysis and a significant mentorship load on facilitators.
• Modifications were implemented to address these identified challenges in the OR course structure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the revised structure of the SORT-IT OR course.
• To evaluate the successes and challenges of implementing the modified OR course structure in Asia in 2013.

Main Methods:

• Extended the duration of course modules for protocol development, data analysis, and publication.
• Increased the number of experienced facilitators involved in the training.
• Standardized key milestones for data entry and analysis to ensure timely progress.

Main Results:

• The revised structure was successfully implemented in the second Asian OR Course in Nepal, 2013.
• Eleven out of twelve participants completed all milestones, submitting 13 manuscripts to peer-reviewed journals.
• Implementation resulted in increased costs and faculty/participant time commitment.

Conclusions:

• The modified SORT-IT model effectively addressed previous limitations regarding time and mentor workload.
• The revised structure is planned for continued use in future operational research capacity-building courses.