Mixed-methods evaluation of family medicine research training and peer mentorship in Lesotho
African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine
| Field | Value | |
| Title | Mixed-methods evaluation of family medicine research training and peer mentorship in Lesotho | |
| Creator | McGuire, Chelsea M. Riffenburg, Katherine Malope, Sebaka Jack, Brian Borba, Christina P.C. | |
| Description | Background: Strengthening primary care research capacity is a priority globally. Family medicine training programmes in sub-Saharan Africa represent an important opportunity to build primary care research; however, they are often limited by insufficient research training and mentorship. Peers can be used to extend research mentorship capacity, but have not been evaluated in this context.Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate one family medicine training programme’s research capacity building efforts through a blended research curriculum and peer mentorship.Setting: Lesotho is a landlocked country within South Africa of approximately two million people. The Family Medicine Specialty Training Programme (FMSTP) is the only accredited postgraduate medical education programme in Lesotho.Methods: This two-year mixed-methods evaluation used: (1) Likert-scale surveys measuring trainee research confidence, (2) written evaluations by trainees, peers, programme faculty and administrators and (3) in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Survey data were analysed using Friedman and sign tests. Interview and written data were analysed thematically via a mixed inductive-deductive approach using Cooke’s framework.Results: Family Medicine Specialty Training Programme trainees (n = 8) experienced moderate increases in research confidence that were statistically significant. Skill-building occurred primarily via experiential learning. Research was grounded in trainees’ clinical practice and locally relevant. A positive research culture was created, promising for sustainability. We identified infrastructure gaps, including funding and protected time. Peer research mentorship supported trainees’ motivation and provided a safe space for questions.Conclusion: The FMSTP research curriculum and peer mentorship programme were successful in positively impacting a number of Cooke’s research capacity domains. This evaluation identified improvements that are now being implemented. | |
| Publisher | AOSIS | |
| Date | 2020-10-19 | |
| Identifier | 10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2387 | |
| Source | African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine; Vol 12, No 1 (2020); 17 pages 2071-2936 2071-2928 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Relation |
The following web links (URLs) may trigger a file download or direct you to an alternative webpage to gain access to a publication file format of the published article:
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/2387/4312
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/2387/4311
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/2387/4313
https://phcfm.org/index.php/phcfm/article/view/2387/4310
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