Abstract

MCGUIRE, Chelsea M. et al. Mixed-methods evaluation of family medicine research training and peer mentorship in Lesotho. Afr. j. prim. health care fam. med. (Online) [online]. 2020, vol.12, n.1, pp.1-17. ISSN 2071-2936.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/phcfm.v12i1.2387.

BACKGROUND: Strengthening primary care research capacity is a priority globally. Family medicine training programmes in sub-Saharan Africa represent an important opportunity to build primary care research; however, they are often limited by insufficient research training and mentorship. Peers can be used to extend research mentorship capacity, but have not been evaluated in this context. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate one family medicine training programme's research capacity building efforts through a blended research curriculum and peer mentorship. SETTING: Lesotho is a landlocked country within South Africa of approximately two million people. The Family Medicine Specialty Training Programme (FMSTP) is the only accredited postgraduate medical education programme in Lesotho. METHODS: This two-year mixed-methods evaluation used: (1) Likert-scale surveys measuring trainee research confidence, (2) written evaluations by trainees, peers, programme faculty and administrators and (3) in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Survey data were analysed using Friedman and sign tests. Interview and written data were analysed thematically via a mixed inductive-deductive approach using Cooke's framework RESULTS: Family Medicine Specialty Training Programme trainees (n = 8) experienced moderate increases in research confidence that were statistically significant. Skill-building occurred primarily via experiential learning. Research was grounded in trainees' clinical practice and locally relevant. A positive research culture was created, promising for sustainability. We identified infrastructure gaps, including funding and protected time. Peer research mentorship supported trainees' motivation and provided a safe space for questions. CONCLUSION: The FMSTP research curriculum and peer mentorship programme were successful in positively impacting a number of Cooke's research capacity domains. This evaluation identified improvements that are now being implemented.

Keywords : research training; peer mentorship; Lesotho; family medicine; primary health care.

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