Human and infrastructural capacity needs assessment for research ethics system in Malawi
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Date
2021-06-16
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Kamuzu University of Health Science
Abstract
This is a cross-sectional needs assessment survey. Background As international research and ethics training programs increase and evolve, efforts to evaluate and monitor the impact of such programs have emerged. Capacity development and professional training in the ethical issues of global health research has also emerged as a critical area for advanced training. It is therefore important to recognize that the ever increasing health-related research in Africa calls for a proportionate rise in the setting up of functional health research oversight/governance structures and mechanisms. This needs assessment will allow us to appreciate the current state of affairs and the areas that need to be strengthened for a functional research ethics system in Malawi. Results from this exercise will further support development of an action plan for research ethics in the country. We will therefore consider the larger research practice, research oversight systems in place and policy context in the country. Broadly we intend to identify human and infrastructural capacity needs required to support an efficient and effective research ethics system and mechanism in Malawi. to do this, in this study, we will; Explore infrastructural needs of the research ethics committees to provide an effective research ethics oversight. Identify training needs for research ethics committee members for them to be able to effectively manage research ethics review process. Identify the existence and quality of locally relevant research ethics training programs. Assess the need for advanced training program in research ethics by the institutions of higher learning. Identify funding pathways and commitments for research ethics capacity development. Methods This will be a mixed methods study employing a simultaneous quantitative and qualitative approaches. The study will have a national scope targeting respondent from research and ethics committees, training institutions and their affiliate research institutions and study monitors. We will use Key Informant interviews and in depth interviews to collect data. The protocol will be submitted to COMREC for ethical review and clearance. The study will be implemented from April to August, 2021.
16-Jun-2021Expected findings We expect to identify the infrastructural, systems and human resources needs for an effective research ethics system in Malawi. These findings will help align future capacity strengthening efforts with the needs of those within the broader community of research ethics and the relevant stakeholders.
Dissemination of study findings
A report will be developed following which will be shared to different stakeholders in research ethics including COMREC, we will also disseminate the findings to all participating institutions from which respondents were drawn. We will write manuscripts for publication in reputable journals. We will further organize a dissemination conference for stakeholders in research ethics in Malawi.