Implications of fieldworkers’ institutional support systems for research integrity practices in Africa
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Date
2021-03-04
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kamuzu University of Health Sciences
Abstract
Fieldworkers play a critical role in health research practices in most international health
research centres in Africa. Fieldworkers are usually employed to provide support in seeking
informed consent, collecting qualitative and quantitative data, biological samples and
maintaining good relationships with communities involved in research (Kombe, 2015; Mosavel,
Ahmed, Daniels, & Simon, 2011). Furthermore, the integrity of research and the ethical and
scientific outputs generated by most international health research sites in Africa rely heavily
on fieldworkers, whose practices and ability to adhere to international and local ethical and
scientific standards and guidelines determine the quality of data collected (Kombe, 2015).
Recent literature has highlighted concerns related to the quality of data collected by
fieldworkers, attributable to a lack of or limited support given to fieldworkers by their principal
investigators (PIs) or study coordinators (Kingori & Gerrets, 2016a). While some empirical
studies have been conducted to explore and describe the day-to-day ethical challenges faced
by health research fieldworkers (Kamuya et al., 2013a; Kingori, 2013; Rossman & Rallis, 2010),
very little has been done to understand fieldworkers' institutional support systems and how
they influence the overall integrity of research. Understanding the influence of fieldworkers’
institutional support systems on research integrity may provide important insights in
developing best practice guidelines for supporting fieldworkers in Blantyre District in
MalawiAfrica.
Type of study
This is a qualitative mixed-methods study that intends to use a case-study approach together
with qualitative approaches, including in-depth interview, non-participant observations and
consultative discussion to develop an in-depth understanding of the implications of
fieldworkers' institutional support systems for research integrity.
Problem statement
The literature underlines the importance of fieldworkers in international health research. The
roles fieldworkers play, and the diverse challenges and dilemmas they face have been well
documented. However, much less has been done to better understand the implications of
fieldworkers’ institutional support systems and how these influence the overall integrity of
research.
General objectives
This study aims to examine the implications of fieldworkers’ institutional support systems for
research integrity practices in Blantyre District in MalawiAfrica
Study objectives
Specific objectives
To describe and analyse the existing literature, including concepts and theories related to
fieldworkers’ institutional support systems and policies
To identify and describe existing fieldworkers’ institutional support systems at the participating
research institutionsTo critically evaluate how existing fieldworkers’ institutional support systems and policies shape
fieldworkers ethical and research integrity practices
To develop a best practice model and make recommendations to the participating institutions on
fieldworkers’ institutional support systems
Methodology
This study intends to use a qualitative mixed-methods approach to develop a broad and indepth
understanding of the implications of fieldworkers' institutional support systems for
research integrity. The proposed approach will involve five main methodological approaches,
including literature and document review, key informant interviews, Individual In-Depth
Interviews (IDIs), Non-Participant Observations (NPO), and consultative discussions with key
stakeholders.
Expected findings
Data will be analysed thematically. Findings from this study will include the status of the
existing policies and guidelines related to fieldworkers (if any) from the participating
institutions, the views of senior management, middle-level field managers and fieldworkers,
including centre directors, principal investigators, field managers, supervisors and
fieldworkers, on how existing policies and guidelines influence the fieldworkers scientific
contribute to understanding how existing health research systems and policies, and research
management practices may shape fieldworkers' everyday scientific and ethical practices and
the integrity of the research. Such understanding may provide important insights in developing
best practice guidelines for supporting fieldworkers in Africa.
Dissemination of findings
Preliminary analysis of the data will be done continuously and used to inform key themes for
further exploration, especiallyduring the last phase (phase three) of the study. During the
consultative discussions (phase three) the preliminary findings will be presented to those who
will participate in the consultative discussions for further synthesis. At the end of the study,
the study results will be presented summary form, to the management of each participating
institution. In addition, each participating institution, and the college of medicine research
ethics committee (COMREC) will be given a copy of the study findings. Results of this study
will also be published in the PhD thesis which will be submitted to the University of KwaZulu
Natal, South Africa, the Malawi Liverpool-Wellcome (MLW) research programme in Malawi
and in peer review journals and scientific conferences.
Description
Keywords
Research Subject Categories::MEDICINE