Professional development scheme: a tool to measure health research competencies in healthcare professionals

Significant investments have been made in health research capacity development (HRCD) initiatives focusing on individual professionals and institutional frameworks. However, prevailing approaches often prioritise specific research projects over explicit strategies for strengthening the capacities of health research professionals (HRPs) particularly in low and middle-income countries. Despite recognition of its limitations, this implicit approach persists resulting in a lack of effective HRCD strategies. Additionally, the absence of globally standardised mechanisms for evaluating HRCD initiatives makes it more complex to define clear success benchmarks for these initiatives. Evaluations of HRCD strategies predominantly focus on pre-intervention and post-intervention assessments of specific interventions often neglecting the broader context of capacity development. Consequently, there is an imperative for a more systematic approach to measuring HRCD, particularly at the individual level.This paper describes the design and the scope of the Professional Development Scheme (PDS), a tool designed to quantify HRCD among HRPs. Structured across four core sections including professional experiences, qualifications and the self-evaluation of 325 key competencies, the PDS allows users to generate evidence of existing strengths and possible areas of improvement in their research skills. Profile submissions undergo rigorous moderation to ensure fidelity and uniformity in competency evaluation.The PDS can offer a structured approach to assessing and improving research capacities among HRPs. By focusing on specific skills and employing clear evaluation methods, the PDS aims to overcome the shortcomings of previous approaches and promote development in global health research capacity.