Networking among young global health researchers through an intensive training approach: a mixed methods exploratory study

Health Research Policy and Systems

Paula Godoy-Ruiz³  Donald C Cole²  Lindsey M Lenters¹ 

[1] Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, 686 Bay Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 0A4, Canada;Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, 155 College Street, Toronto, Ontario M5T 3M7, Canada;Global Health Program, Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, 500 University Avenue, Floor 5, Room 550, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1V7, Canada

关键词: Networks;    Mixed methods;    Knowledge translation;    Developing countries;    Continuing education;    Collaboration;   

Others  :  804899
DOI  :  10.1186/1478-4505-12-5

 received in 2013-06-14, accepted in 2014-01-16,  发布年份 2014

【 摘 要 】

Background

Networks are increasingly regarded as essential in health research aimed at influencing practice and policies. Less research has focused on the role networking can play in researchers’ careers and its broader impacts on capacity strengthening in health research. We used the Canadian Coalition for Global Health Research (CCGHR) annual Summer Institute for New Global Health Researchers (SIs) as an opportunity to explore networking among new global health researchers.

Methods

A mixed-methods exploratory study was conducted among SI alumni and facilitators who had participated in at least one SI between 2004 and 2010. Alumni and facilitators completed an online short questionnaire, and a subset participated in an in-depth interview. Thematic analysis of the qualitative data was triangulated with quantitative results and CCGHR reports on SIs. Synthesis occurred through the development of a process model relevant to networking through the SIs.

Results

Through networking at the SIs, participants experienced decreased isolation and strengthened working relationships. Participants accessed new knowledge, opportunities, and resources through networking during the SI. Post-SI, participants reported ongoing contact and collaboration, although most participants desired more opportunities for interaction. They made suggestions for structural supports to networking among new global health researchers.

Conclusions

Networking at the SI contributed positively to opportunities for individuals, and contributed to the formation of a network of global health researchers. Intentional inclusion of networking in health research capacity strengthening initiatives, with supportive resources and infrastructure could create dynamic, sustainable networks accessible to global health researchers around the world.

【 授权许可】

   
2014 Lenters et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.

【 图 表 】

Figure 1.

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