Developing a framework for successful research partnerships in global health

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Systems Strengthening
• International Collaboration

Background:

• The Centre for Global Health at Trinity College Dublin aims to strengthen health systems in developing countries.
• Partnerships are crucial for global health initiatives, involving diverse stakeholders across over 40 countries.
• Establishing effective relationships requires guiding principles for all global health research partnerships.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an evidence-based framework for guiding global health research partnerships.
• To identify key principles and concepts essential for successful collaboration in global health.

Main Methods:

• An inductive, grounded theory approach was employed in three phases.
• Phase I involved an open-ended questionnaire distributed to partners.
• Phase II included consultative meetings with Centre for Global Health staff, followed by thematic analysis of collected data.

Main Results:

• Relational and operational aspects are vital across all partnerships.
• Seven core concepts emerged: focus, values, equity, benefit, leadership, communication, and resolution.
• Leadership and resolution are identified as under-discussed elements in existing partnership literature.

Conclusions:

• Successful large, complex partnerships require advance agreement on a common program, early stakeholder involvement, and dedicated resources.
• An evidence-based framework for global health partnerships has been developed and is presented based on this research.