Replacement of core team members on embedded implementation research teams: experiences from Latin America and the Caribbean

Objective. To understand how replacement of decision-makers (DMs) serving as principal investigators (PI) or co-PIs on research teams may affect the feasibility and value of embedded implementation research (EIR) used to improve health policies, programs, and services in Latin America and the Caribb...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Revista Panamericana de Salud Pública
Main Authors: Victor Becerril-Montekio, Pilar Torres-Pereda, Luis Alberto García-Bello, Jacqueline Alcalde-Rabanal
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Spanish
Portuguese
Published: Pan American Health Organization 2023
Subjects:
operational research
decision making
health policy
implementation science
latin america
caribbean region
Medicine
R
Arctic medicine. Tropical medicine
RC955-962
Public aspects of medicine
RA1-1270
Arctic
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.26633/RPSP.2023.82
https://doaj.org/article/d3c2ac09a140439ca4bee520c62fd497
Description
Summary:Objective. To understand how replacement of decision-makers (DMs) serving as principal investigators (PI) or co-PIs on research teams may affect the feasibility and value of embedded implementation research (EIR) used to improve health policies, programs, and services in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods. This was a descriptive qualitative study based on 39 semistructured interviews with 13 embedded research teams selected by financing agencies to explore team composition, interaction among members, and research results. Interviews were conducted at three points during the study period from September 2018 to November 2019; data were analyzed from 2020 to 2021. Results. Research teams were found to be operating in one of three situations: (i) permanent core team (no change) with either active DM or inactive DM participation; (ii) replacement of DM–PI or co-PI that did not affect EIR research; and (iii) replacement of DM–PI that affected EIR. Conclusions. To ensure EIR continuity and stability, research teams should include high-level DMs together with more technical staff performing essential implementation activities. This structure could improve collaboration among professional researchers and ensure greater embeddedness of EIR to strengthen the health system.

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