Introduction
In the realm of research ethics, particularly in Low and Middle Income Countries (LMICs), developing institutional capacity is a critical yet often overlooked component. A recent case study from Botswana, as presented in the research article "Evaluating Institutional Capacity for Research Ethics in Africa: A Case Study from Botswana," offers valuable insights into how institutions can enhance their research ethics capacity. This blog post will explore these insights and discuss how practitioners, especially those involved in online therapy services like TinyEYE, can leverage these findings to improve their practices and outcomes for children.
The Octagon Model: A Framework for Evaluation
The study utilizes the Octagon model, originally developed by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency, to assess institutional capacity across eight domains: basic values and identity, structure and organization, ability to carry out activities, relevance of activities to stated goals, capacity of staff and management, administrative, financing and accounting systems, relations with target groups, and the national context. This comprehensive approach provides a holistic view of an institution's strengths and areas for improvement.
Key Findings from the Botswana Case Study
- Structure and Organization: The University of Botswana (UB) demonstrated strengths in structure and organization, with a clear internal structure for research ethics under the Office of Research and Development (ORD).
- Relevance and Identity: UB's strategic plan emphasizes becoming a "research-intensive" institution by 2021, aligning its activities with its vision for research ethics.
- Challenges in Implementation: Despite strengths, UB faces challenges such as the need for more comprehensive ethics training and better integration of research ethics into the curriculum.
Implications for Practitioners
For practitioners, particularly those in speech language pathology and online therapy services, the Botswana case study underscores the importance of a structured approach to research ethics. Here are some actionable steps:
- Adopt a Holistic Framework: Use a model like the Octagon to evaluate and enhance your institution's research ethics capacity.
- Focus on Training: Implement comprehensive ethics training programs for staff to ensure they are equipped to handle ethical dilemmas effectively.
- Engage with Stakeholders: Foster strong relationships with target groups, including students, faculty, and the community, to enhance the legitimacy and effectiveness of your ethics programs.
Encouraging Further Research
While the Botswana case study provides a valuable framework, it also highlights the need for further research to adapt these findings to different contexts, especially in LMICs. Practitioners are encouraged to conduct similar assessments within their institutions and contribute to the growing body of knowledge on research ethics capacity building.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Evaluating institutional capacity for research ethics in Africa: a case study from Botswana.
