Going virtual for research training during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond: e-SORT IT

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Medical Education
• Research Capacity Building

Background:

• The Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) model enhances research capacity in low-resource settings.
• Traditional SORT IT involves in-person, hands-on mentorship over three modules.
• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated adapting the model for remote delivery.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the development and implementation of an innovative, web-based platform (e-SORT IT) for virtual delivery of SORT IT modules.
• To evaluate the success and participant satisfaction of the virtual e-SORT IT platform compared to the residential model.

Main Methods:

• The e-SORT IT platform was designed to replicate the residential course structure, including lectures, plenary sessions, and breakout rooms.
• Participants and mentors from eight different time zones engaged with the virtual platform.
• Success was measured by participant milestone achievement and manuscript completion.

Main Results:

• The e-SORT IT platform successfully facilitated the virtual implementation of SORT IT modules.
• 90% of participants achieved their milestones, and 10 manuscripts were completed.
• Participant satisfaction was nearly equivalent to the residential module, though mentors noted limitations in capacity building and networking.

Conclusions:

• The e-SORT IT platform provided a functional and successful alternative to the residential SORT IT model during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• While capacity building and networking were reduced, the platform demonstrated innovation and flexibility for maintaining essential training.
• The e-SORT IT model offers a viable approach for research capacity building in challenging global circumstances and beyond.