Achieving a robust mentoring and research capacity program in a LMIC - the BRAINS faculty development model

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Research Capacity Building
• Health Professions Education

Background:

• A research and training program (RTP) was implemented to enhance faculty research capacity and foster a research culture at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos (CMUL), Nigeria.
• The program aimed to address needs in research training and mentorship within a Nigerian medical institution.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a 5-year research and training program (BRAINS project) at CMUL.
• To identify key components contributing to the program's success.
• To develop a model for robust training and mentoring programs replicable in similar settings.

Main Methods:

• A realist-guided mixed methods evaluation using secondary data from 2015-2020.
• Capacity building workshops and mentored research activities were conducted for faculty.
• Quantitative data (knowledge scores) and qualitative data (thematic analysis of narratives) were analyzed and integrated.

Main Results:

• 1,418 participants attended capacity building workshops, with significant pre/post-test knowledge score improvements.
• Thematic analysis revealed cognitive, reward, and behavioral gains from workshops.
• Forty-five faculty received grants and mentorship, reporting benefits in program achievement, resilience, and improvement.

Conclusions:

• The evaluation identified critical success factors for the RTP.
• A model for effective research training and mentorship was developed.
• The findings offer insights for replicating successful RTPs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).