Health policy and systems research training: global status and recommendations for action

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of health policy and systems research training globally and to identify recommendations for improvement and expansion.MethodsWe identified institutions offering health policy and systems research training worldwide. In 2014, we recruited participants from identified institutions for an online survey on the characteristics of the institutions and the courses given. Survey findings were explored during in-depth interviews with selected key informants.FindingsThe study identified several important gaps in health policy and systems research training. There were few courses in central and eastern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa or Latin America. Most (116/152) courses were instructed in English. Institutional support for courses was often lacking and many institutions lacked the critical mass of trained individuals needed to support doctoral and postdoctoral students. There was little consistency between institutions in definitions of the competencies required for health policy and systems research. Collaboration across disciplines to provide the range of methodological perspectives the subject requires was insufficient. Moreover, the lack of alternatives to on-site teaching may preclude certain student audiences such as policy-makers.ConclusionTraining in health policy and systems research is important to improve local capacity to conduct quality research in this field. We provide six recommendations to improve the content, accessibility and reach of training. First, create a repository of information on courses. Second, establish networks to support training. Third, define competencies in health policy and systems research. Fourth, encourage multidisciplinary collaboration. Fifth, expand the geographical and language coverage of courses. Finally, consider alternative teaching formats.

Medical student involvement in health policy roles

“…Secondly, it is interesting to note that although institutions teaching health policy exist across every WHO region in areas such as the Middle East and Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe had little relevant training and North Africa had none. 16 Offering an exchange program between two institutions with a health policy-focused element would allow for individuals to develop their interest in the topic. In the long term, it is not unfeasible to visualize greater representation of residents from underdeveloped populations partaking in health policy-making processes that affect their own health system in partnership with global organizations.…”

Building a Workforce for Future Health Systems: Reflections from Health Policy and Systems Research

“…A review of HPSR training globally found there to be a lack of institutional and personnel support; inconsistencies in definitions of competencies required; low levels of interdisciplinary collaboration; and low accessibility of such courses for nonresearchers researchers (e.g., policy makers) (Tancred et al. ). To strengthen capacity in training of the HPSR workforce, these courses require more investment, improved support networks, enhanced coordination across the field, and alternative approaches that go beyond the traditional classroom model (Tancred et al.…”

“…To strengthen capacity in training of the HPSR workforce, these courses require more investment, improved support networks, enhanced coordination across the field, and alternative approaches that go beyond the traditional classroom model (Tancred et al. ). Open‐access online courses, webinars, and technical support networks address these needs to some extent.…”

Comparative analysis of country-level enablers, barriers and recommendations to strengthen institutional capacity for evidence uptake in decision-making

“…HPSR often includes high levels of collaboration with diverse stakeholders and the need to engage directly in the translation of evidence into practice, leadership and advocacy [ 10 ]. A recent mapping study of global HPSR capacity strengthening demonstrated a range of training opportunities as well as significant gaps in terms of geography, scope and modalities [ 11 , 12 ]. Recent literature has emphasised the need for strengthened capacity for “ data systems and institutional capacity to use and manage data for effective decision-making ” as a foundation for achievement of global goals such as the Sustainable Development Goals and Universal Health Coverage [ 13 ].…”