Going viral – capacity strengthening in the context of pandemic(s). (April 2022) - Mills, Tracey A.
Abstract: Strengthening the capacity of midwives and nurses in low- and middle-income countries to lead research is an urgent priority in embedding and sustaining evidence-based practice and better outcomes for women and newborns during childbearing. International and local travel restrictions, and physical distancing resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic have compromised the delivery of many existing programmes and challenged international partnerships working in maternal and newborn health to adapt rapidly. In this paper, we share the experiences of a midwife-led research partnership between Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Uganda, the UK, Zambia and Zimbabwe in sustaining and enhancing capacity strengthening activities remotely in this period. Whilst considerable challenges arose, and not all were overcome, collectively, we gained new insights and important learning which have shifted perspectives and will impact future design and delivery of learning programmes. Highlights: Research capacity strengthening is essential to maintain progress in childbirth health globally. Midwifery and nursing research capacity has been neglected, hampering evidence-based practice. COVID-19 challenges programmes to find new ways to sustain educational activities. Within global programmes, online learning helps build research skills, confidence and networks.