Sustained research capacity after completing a Structured Operational Research and Training (SORT IT) course

Abstract

We systematically assess the post-course output of participants who complete the Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative (SORT IT) courses1–3 to determine whether the courses, designed for participants in low- and middle-income countries, build sustainable capacity and leadership for operational research. Between January and June 2016, we assessed the output of participants who had successfully completed six SORT IT courses 18 months previously in Fiji, Estonia, Luxembourg, India, Nepal and Ethiopia. Of 71 participants enrolled in the six courses, 67 (94%) successfully completed the course and submitted a scientific paper to a peer-reviewed journal. These successful alumni were all sent structured questionnaires by e-mail, of whom 64 (96%) returned the completed questionnaire.