Mirzoev, T, Lê, G, Green, A et al. (8 more authors) (2014) Assessment of capacity for Health Policy and Systems Research and Analysis in seven African universities: results from the CHEPSAA project. Health Policy and Planning, 29 (7). 831 - 841. ISSN 0268-1080
Abstract
The importance of health policy and systems research and analysis (HPSR+A) is widely recognised. Universities are central to strengthening and sustaining the HPSR+A capacity as they teach the next generation of decision-makers and health professionals. However, little is known about the capacity of universities, specifically, to develop the field. In this paper we report results of capacity self-assessments by seven universities within five African countries, conducted through the Consortium for Health Policy and Systems Analysis in Africa (CHEPSAA). The capacity assessments focused on both capacity assets and needs, and covered the wider context, as well as organisational and individual capacity levels. Six thematic areas of capacity were examined: leadership and governance, organisation’s resources, scope of HPSR+A teaching and research, communication, networking and GRIPP, demand for HPRS+A, and resource environment. The self-assessments by each university used combinations of document reviews, semi-structured interviews and staff surveys, followed by comparative analysis. A Framework Approach, guided by the six thematic areas, was used to analyse data. We found that HPSR+A is an international priority, and an existing activity in Africa, though still neglected field with challenges including its reliance on unpredictable international funding. All universities have capacity assets, such as on-going HPSR+A teaching and research. There are, however, varying levels of assets (such as differences in staff numbers, group sizes and amount of HPSR+A teaching and research), which, combined with different capacity needs at all three levels (such as individual training, improvement in systems for quality assurance and fostering demand for HPSR+A work), can shape a future agenda for HPSR+A capacity strengthening. Capacity assets and needs at different levels appear related. Possible integrated strategies for strengthening universities’ capacity include: refining HPSR+A vision, mainstreaming the subject into under- and post-graduate teaching, developing emerging leaders and aligning HPSR+A capacity strengthening within the wider organisational development.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | (c) The Author 2013. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/bync/ 3.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. |
Keywords: | African universities; HPSR+A; capacity; assets and needs |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Medicine and Health (Leeds) > School of Medicine (Leeds) > Leeds Institute of Health Sciences (Leeds) > Nuffield Centre for International Health and Development (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 04 Dec 2014 16:28 |
Last Modified: | 07 Dec 2022 14:55 |
Published Version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/heapol/czt065 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Oxford University Press (OUP) |
Identification Number: | 10.1093/heapol/czt065 |
Related URLs: | |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:81455 |