Quality Practices in Basic Biomedical Research (QPBR) training manual: Trainer
A tool for training and promoting Quality Practices in Basic Biomedical Research (QPBR) concepts in disease endemic countries
Summary
Quality practices in basic biomedical research are of paramount importance when resources are limited and when the results of research are to be used to advance science, shape policies or aid decision making. This applies particularly to disease endemic countries (DECs), although quality practices in research are just as essential for other parts of the world. Establishing good quality practices in research can only improve the quality of research and the veracity of data derived from it.
Guidelines on quality of research also steer researchers towards approaching their work in a similar way, no matter where they are working. This is a critical element in research, allowing experiments to be reproduced more easily and the body of evidence on a particular research issue to grow. In the absence of national or international guidelines on Quality Practices in Basic Medical Research, in 2006 TDR published at WHO a Handbook on Quality Practices in Basic Biomedical Research (QBPR) to help researchers throughout the world produce high-quality biomedical research. The handbook highlighted non-regulatory practices that can be easily institutionalized at very little extra expense. The QPBR handbook was so well received and the demand for training so high (especially in DECs) that the decision was made to develop this brand new manual for trainers of QPBR and an accompanying manual for trainees.
The two QPBR training manuals are based on the QPBR handbook and are designed around a course / workshop on QPBR. They therefore outline the goals of the course / workshop and the topics that should be covered. The manuals include a set of power point slides, questions and case histories on QPBR. The QPBR handbook explains why QPBR is essential and also provides help (through illustrative examples and templates) on how QPBR can be implemented. 3 The training manuals can be used to conduct standardized and validated training; they provide institutions and researchers with the necessary tools for implementing monitoring quality practices in their research. Training of trainers will lead to propagation of the number of individuals who can train others about QPBR. The QPBR series supports TDR’s long-term mission of helping DECs develop their own research activities.
Training efforts throughout the world, especially in Asia, Latin America and Africa, will lead to the formation of a global culture of quality practice in research. This in turn should help institutions in their quest for partnerships with both the public and the private sector. Overall, the adoption of QPBR – facilitated by these training manuals – will have the effect of promoting cost-effective, accelerated research with a long-term positive effect on the development of products for the improvement of human health.
Contact: Dr. Deborah Kioy