Fostering global primary care research: a capacity-building approach

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Health Services Research
• Primary Health Care Research

Background:

• High-quality primary healthcare (PHC) is crucial, as emphasized by Alma Ata and Astana Declarations.
• Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) face limitations in PHC research capacity.
• Addressing these limitations is vital for improving health outcomes in LMICs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore risks and barriers to primary care research capacity building in LMICs.
• To identify and resolve tensions in strengthening PHC research.
• To offer solutions for emerging contexts in PHC research.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of a workshop at the 2019 North American Primary Care Research Group Annual Meeting.
• Inclusion of five case studies from Africa, South-East Asia, and South America.
• Examination of research capacity building at micro, meso, and macro levels.

Main Results:

• Research must be context-specific and responsive to local needs.
• Capacity building requires local skills, training, infrastructure, and support.
• Tensions include funding reliance on high-income countries and 'brain drain'.

Conclusions:

• Strengthening PHC research capacity in LMICs is achievable through multi-level interventions.
• Local ownership and sustainable support are key to successful research capacity building.
• Recommendations are provided to navigate challenges and enhance PHC research in LMICs.