Building Global Capacity for Conducting Operational Research Using the SORT IT Model: Where and Who?

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Research
• Capacity Building

Background:

• Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face significant challenges in research capacity, despite the critical need for operational research.
• The Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) was developed to address this gap by training researchers and influencing policy.
• Twenty SORT IT courses were conducted globally between 2009 and 2014.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the geographical distribution of research conducted within SORT IT courses.
• To characterize the demographics of trained participants and subsequent facilitators.
• To assess the outcomes of the SORT IT program, focusing on publication rates and impact.

Main Methods:

• A cohort study design was employed, analyzing data from 20 completed SORT IT courses.
• Participant data, research conducted, manuscript submissions, and publication records were collected and analyzed.
• Outcomes included publication success, authorship from LMIC nationals, and article reach.

Main Results:

• 236 participants from 64 nationalities conducted research in 59 countries, primarily in Asia and Africa.
• 90% of participants successfully completed course milestones, with 19% becoming facilitators, predominantly from LMICs.
• 86% of submitted manuscripts were published or in press, with LMIC nationals as principal investigators in 86% of cases. Published research reached over 94,000 cumulative views/downloads.

Conclusions:

• The SORT IT model demonstrates effectiveness in enhancing the capacity of personnel in LMICs to generate impactful operational research.
• The program successfully contributes to policy and practice by producing relevant, publishable research.
• Continued support and investment in the SORT IT initiative are recommended for further expansion and development.