The published research paper: is it an important indicator of successful operational research at programme level?

Abstract

SummaryIs a published research paper an important indicator of successful operational research at programme level in low-income countries? In academia, publishing in peer-reviewed scientific journals is highly encouraged and strongly pursued for academic recognition and career progression. In contrast, for those who engage in operational research at programme level, there is often no necessity or reward for publishing the results of research studies; it may even be criticized as being an unnecessary detraction from programme-related work. We present arguments to support publishing operational research from low-income countries; we highlight some of the main reasons for failure of publication at programme level and suggest ways forward.

Is operational research delivering the goods? The journey to success in low-income countries

“…2 An important part of the dissemination process is publication in a peer-reviewed scientifi c journal. 40 Several arguments support this approach. A published paper provides a credible evidence base to advocate for policy change with local decision makers, ministries of health, and international policy makers.…”

“…The standard structure of a scientifi c report, along with the peer review process, provides an inbuilt quality control that strengthens the fi nal article and makes it easier to read, understand, and disseminate than the original. 40 Finally, operational research that is published in a peer-reviewed journal can aff ect policy change outside the confi nes of a particular programme. For example, the study by Culbert and colleagues, 42 which provided knowledge on the feasibility of off ering antiretroviral therapy during confl ict in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, led to a change in the Sphere Project's humanitarian charter and the adoption of minimum standards in humanitarian responses (previously this benchmark reference for NGOs advised against off ering antiretroviral therapy in such settings).…”

“…We propose the following four steps to success for operational research (table 2): eff ective dissemination (so that the research knowledge is shared with appropriate audiences); 40,63 publication in a peer-reviewed journal (a milestone in the dissemination process as well as an important indicator of successful completion of a research study); changes to policy and practice; and eff ects on programme performance-the ultimate end-measure of success on the ground. 30,64,65 Systematic annual assessment of the successive steps in implementation of operational research and promotion of its eff ects on policy and practice would enable programmes in low-income countries to monitor the outputs of operational research agendas and projects (panel).…”

The HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub‐Saharan Africa: thinking ahead on programmatic tasks and related operational research

“…Some of the programmatic challenges include inadequate or irrelevant research questions, lack of time and opportunity, lack of research infrastructure, and lack of knowledge about how to translate research findings into policy and practice [6]. In particular, capacity to conduct and publish research is seriously lacking [64]. Programme-embedded models with strong on-the-job mentorship are urgently needed.…”

Building operational research capacity in the Pacific

“…The purpose of the course is to teach practical skills for conducting and publishing OR that will contribute to changes in policy and practice that are relevant to local needs. 3 The modular-based course emphasises 1) careful selection of participants according to pre-defined criteria; 2) logical progression through the steps of the whole research process, i.e., from creating a research question through to publishing a paper and formulating recommendations for changes in policy or practice; 3) the achievement of milestones to progress from one module to the next; 4) support from employers of participants to allow time and resources for the research; 5) support from experienced public health practitioners who act as mentors; 6) the development of a final product, i.e., a research paper submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal (which constitutes the final milestone); and 7) potential for trained participants to become mentors on future courses. 4 Course graduates are followed up by The Union and MSF after completing the course, and ongoing OR activity is monitored.…”