Here are key takeaways from the research and how they can be implemented to enhance practitioner skills:
1. Prioritize People with Dementia and Their Families
Placing people with dementia (PwD) and their families at the core of research ensures that their needs and preferences are addressed. Practitioners should focus on person-centered care, involving PwD and their families in the decision-making process.
2. Ethical Research Practices
Practitioners should receive robust training in ethical research practices, especially when working with vulnerable populations. Ethical approval from review boards and transparency in protocols are crucial.
3. Quality Control in Research
Training in both quantitative and qualitative research methods is essential. Practitioners should ensure quality control in data collection, transfer, and storage, adhering to data management plans.
4. Equity of Access
Ensuring equitable access to research opportunities for all stakeholders, including women and those with varying levels of literacy, is vital. Practitioners should be aware of socio-economic and educational disparities and strive to include diverse populations in their research.
5. Pragmatic, Cost-Effective Approaches
Focus on pragmatic, cost-effective research methods that can be easily implemented in real-world settings. Task-shifting strategies, where non-specialists are trained to deliver care, can be particularly effective in resource-limited environments.
6. Impactful Work
Prioritize research that has a direct, measurable impact on PwD and their families. This includes "real-world" studies with meaningful outcomes, such as improved quality of life and caregiver support.
7. Capacity and Capability Building
Incorporate capacity and capability building into research programs. Training programs should be designed to enhance the skills of the dementia research workforce, focusing on both technical and soft skills.
8. Collaborative Efforts
Foster collaborative and supportive working relationships among researchers, crossing organizational and regional boundaries. This includes forming partnerships with international research centers and leveraging the expertise of the Pakistani diaspora.
9. Rooted Partnerships
Establish partnerships based on co-creation, capacity-building, sustainability, and openness. These partnerships should blend local and international expertise to create a balanced and fair collaboration.
10. Involve the Wider Community
Engage the wider Pakistani community, including the international diaspora, in research efforts. Comparative studies of local and migrant communities can provide valuable insights and enhance the overall impact of research.
Practitioners can implement these principles to enhance their skills and contribute to the development of a robust dementia research infrastructure in Pakistan. Additionally, these insights can be adapted to other LMICs facing similar challenges.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: A roadmap to develop dementia research capacity and capability in Pakistan: A model for low- and middle-income countries
