The American Thoracic Society Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Operations Research Program. Research Capacity Building in Action

Research Publications from the ATS MECOR Program in Turkiye

Background

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Operations Research (MECOR) Program aims to build research capacity in low and middle-income countries. MECOR has three levels, during which students learn to develop a research protocol and write a manuscript. MECOR Turkiye has been offered every year since 2008.

Objective

The aim of this paper is to report the number and impact of published articles generated from research questions developed by students in levels 1, 2, and 3 of the ATS MECOR Program in Turkiye between 2008 and 2018.

Methods

We collected the research questions developed in all levels of the ATS MECOR Program in Turkiye between 2008 and 2018. We searched Google Scholar, PubMed, Web of Science, and ResearchGate in April 2022 to see how many of these research questions were published as articles and, if published, in which journals.

Results

Of the 176 research questions collected, 49 had been developed in level 1, 82 had been developed in level 2, and 45 had been developed in level 3. Of those 176 research questions, 55 (31.3%) generated articles that were accepted for publication. The frequency of published articles based on MECOR-developed research questions increased linearly as the course level in which they were developed increased (18.4% in level 1, 30% in level 2, 46.7% in level 3; P = 0.012; linear-by-linear association, P = 0.003). The median time from the development of the research question to publication was three years overall and did not differ significantly among the course levels (P = 0.36). Of the research questions developed, 43 were published in Science Citation Index or Science Citation Index Expanded-indexed journals.

Conclusion

Acceptance of an article for publication is one way to measure the impact of the ATS MECOR Program. Our data describe significant research output among our participants, which increases with their length of participation in the program.

A narrative review of health research capacity strengthening in low and middle-income countries: lessons for conflict-affected areas

Conducting health research in conflict-affected areas and other complex environments is difficult, yet vital. However, the capacity to undertake such research is often limited and with little translation into practice, particularly in poorer countries. There is therefore a need to strengthen health research capacity in conflict-affected countries and regions.In this narrative review, we draw together evidence from low and middle-income countries to highlight challenges to research capacity strengthening in conflict, as well as examples of good practice. We find that authorship trends in health research indicate global imbalances in research capacity, with implications for the type and priorities of research produced, equity within epistemic communities and the development of sustainable research capacity in low and middle-income countries. Yet, there is little evidence on what constitutes effective health research capacity strengthening in conflict-affected areas. There is more evidence on health research capacity strengthening in general, from which several key enablers emerge: adequate and sustained financing; effective stewardship and equitable research partnerships; mentorship of researchers of all levels; and effective linkages of research to policy and practice.Strengthening health research capacity in conflict-affected areas needs to occur at multiple levels to ensure sustainability and equity. Capacity strengthening interventions need to take into consideration the dynamics of conflict, power dynamics within research collaborations, the potential impact of technology, and the wider political environment in which they take place.

The lung corps' approach to reducing health disparities in respiratory disease

Health disparities are prevalent across diseases of the respiratory system, and are major sources of morbidity and mortality among disadvantaged populations in the United States. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) aims to reduce disparities that are both avoidable and unjust. In meeting this goal, the ATS is committed to creating the Lung Corps, a diverse group of senior, mid-level, and junior clinicians, trainees, researchers, and public health practitioners to help achieve health equality. This will be achieved through the following mechanisms: (1) increase awareness of health disparities; (2) empower health professionals with the knowledge and tools to address disparities; (3) shape research agendas to focus on the root causes, to identify modifiable targets, and to promote innovative approaches to reduce disparities; and (4) develop and advocate for health-related policies and regulations that improve the respiratory health of the population. To ensure success, the Lung Corps will interact with other societies, agencies, and organizations to effect elimination of disparities in respiratory health. The ATS is committed to identifying and addressing health disparities to improve the overall health of individuals affected by respiratory diseases.

The American Thoracic Society methods in epidemiologic, clinical, and operations research program. A research capacity-building program in low- and middle-income countries

Respiratory diseases are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The greatest impact of many of these diseases is felt in low- and middle-income countries, but their control and management is hampered by lack of accurate estimates of their prevalence, risk factors, and distribution, and knowledge of the social and cultural setting in which they occur. Providing enough information for cost-effective response to respiratory diseases requires research by trained investigators and public health personnel. The American Thoracic Society (ATS) Methods in Epidemiologic, Clinical, and Operations Research (MECOR) Program was launched in 1994 to provide a sustainable means of increasing local and national research capacity aimed at addressing this need. As of March 2013, approximately 1,015 students have completed at least one level of the training program. Post-MECOR, 64% of participants have published a medical paper, 79% have presented at a scientific or academic meeting, 51% have submitted a research protocol for funding, and 42% have had one funded. One-quarter have been awarded an academic or clinical fellowship, and 78% reported that MECOR had made a significant or extremely important contribution to their professional life and accomplishments. Future challenges include funding, recruitment of local faculty, helping to build the research infrastructure in MECOR countries, and providing ongoing mentoring for research.