Using a Community-Based Participatory Research Approach to Create a Competency Based Health Systems Strengthening Curriculum in a Developing Country

摘要

Abstract: Achieving a targeted, competency-based curriculum through an international partnership focusing on health systems strengthening is a challenge. Guided by community-based participatory research (CBPR) principles, researchers from Saint Louis University's College for Public Health and Social Justice (SLU) Department of Health Management and Policy joined an international effort to develop a hospital-based leadership and governance curriculum in a sub-Saharan low- to middle-income country (LMIC). This qualitative case study provides insight for (a) working with international partners to develop a health systems strengthening competency-based framework, (b) enhancing healthcare leaders' ability to engage stakeholders in efforts to improve community capacity in delivering health services, and (c) analyzing a CBPR approach in developing a health systems strengthening competency framework. Results indicate that a tailored, culturally relevant CBPR approach for developing a competency-based curriculum in a LMIC country is possible despite challenges. In particular, the CBPR approach provides a way to incorporate culturally relevant issues unique to the healthcare environment and context when developing a competency-based curriculum, while honoring all partners' viewpoints. The CBPR approach builds a foundation of trust among all partners, including research partners, which is critical for a true collaborative engagement among all partners.