Strengthening healthcare delivery in Rwanda: Implementation science training for reproductive health researchers

Julie M Buser; Marie Laetitia Ishimwe Bazakare; Gerard Kaberuka; Ella August; Madeleine Mukeshimana; Rachel Gray; Diomede Ntasumbumuyange; Faelan E Jacobson-Davies; Tamrat Endale; Olive Tengera; Yolanda R Smith

doi:10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100980

Strengthening healthcare delivery in Rwanda: Implementation science training for reproductive health researchers

Sex Reprod Healthc. 2024 May 7:40:100980. doi: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100980. Online ahead of print.

Affiliations

¹ Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), 300 North Ingalls Street, Suite 947, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA. Electronic address: jbuser@umich.edu.
² University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
³ Department of Epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA; PREPSS (Pre-Publication Support Service), University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.
⁴ College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
⁵ Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), 300 North Ingalls Street, Suite 947, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA.
⁶ College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
⁷ Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), 300 North Ingalls Street, Suite 947, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA; School of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Rwanda, Kigali, Rwanda.
⁸ Center for International Reproductive Health Training (CIRHT), 300 North Ingalls Street, Suite 947, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48108, USA; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA.

PMID: 38733830
DOI: 10.1016/j.srhc.2024.100980

Abstract

Background: Addressing the gap between research and practice is crucial for enhancing reproductive healthcare outcomes. In Rwanda and other low- and middle-income countries, bolstering health researchers' implementation science (IS) capacity is essential. We present a pre-post-intervention study assessing the influence of an intensive IS training program on Rwandan reproductive health researchers' perceived IS knowledge and self-efficacy in applying IS in their own research.

Methods: To introduce IS principles, we held a one-day training for a diverse cohort of 25 sexual and reproductive health researchers in Rwanda. The training encompassed modules on IS concepts, methodologies, and practical applications. Pre- and post-training assessments gauged changes in participants' perceived IS knowledge and self-efficacy in applying IS in their own work.

Results: The study revealed a significant improvement in self-efficacy related to performing IS related tasks. Researchers reported heightened confidence in designing and implementing evidence-based interventions. In terms of perceived knowledge, participants retained what they learned at 4 months. The training fostered a collaborative learning environment, encouraging participants to exchange ideas and experiences.

Conclusion: Targeted training in IS appears to enhance reproductive health researchers' capacity to translate research into practice, potentially leading to improved healthcare outcomes in Rwanda. Moving forward, we advocate for the Ministry of Health to establish structures for IS research agenda-setting, particularly for sexual and reproductive health and rights. Ideally, universities, health systems, and research institutions will incorporate IS capacity strengthening into their routine activities. Ongoing training is crucial to reinforce and expand IS knowledge. Our findings are expected to inform future interventions and guide policy development.

Keywords: Biomedical research; Capacity building; Delivery of health care; Health personnel; Implementation science; Reproductive health; Rwanda.