The training accompanies participants in conducting an operational research project of their choice, from the protocol development up until scientific publication. Today, 29 SORT IT courses have already been held in Europe, Africa, Asia and Latin America, for 339 participants coming from 79 countries.
SORT IT courses consist of three modules:
- Module 1 focuses on developing a study protocol, with particular attention to ethics,
- Module 2 focuses on electronic data capture and analysis using free access software (EpiData),
- Module 3 focuses on scientific writing, providing guidance on how to submit the paper to a peer-reviewed journal and handle peer review.
We also aim to teach participants the principles of advocacy for health policies and practices, says Dr Rony Zachariah, MSF LuxOR Coordinator, because operational research goes further than publication, it aims to improve healthcare delivery.
There is a growing national and international need for operational research and related capacity building in global public health, which has led to making the SORT IT training available online.
Every course accepts a maximum of twelve participants in order to ensure repartition of tutors and participants. Gradually, the demand exceeded the number of available spots, adds Dr Zchariah. We had to refuse numerous candidates, which was frustrating, knowing that they have the potential to improve healthcare services.
This series of forty-eight videos allows viewers to see each lecture delivered by course instructors. It is designed for those who are interested in learning more about operational research, for those who have not yet managed to secure a place on a course and for those who have undertaken a course and wish to refresh their memories.
The list of seminars and videos is available here.
To go directly to the SORT IT channel on youtube, click here.
(1) In 2009, MSF and The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (The Union) developed an operational research training for health professionals. In 2013, in collaboration with the WHO Special Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases (TDR), the training became the SORT IT (Structured Operational Research Training Initiative) program.