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Editorial
During mid-September, the Health Systems Trust held a three day health systems research conference. This event provided the opportunity for health systems researchers from all over the country to present their research. One of the benefits of the conference came from the immense diversity of participants and their projects. There were new researchers, who were attempting research for the first time and highly experienced researchers with established international reputations. This allowed considerable exchange of ideas and networking between the participants. Projects ranged from those looking at the services of a single clinic or hospital, to those which looked at the whole health systems in South Africa. Despite this diversity, there was one theme that brought them all together. This was their common vision to provide relevant information to decision makers, which will ultimately transform South Africa's health services, to one which meets the needs of all South Africans.
About fifty projects were presented, all funded by the Health Systems Trust. These included projects on health information systems, health economics, human resource development, health service organisation, primary health care, nutrition, maternal, child and woman's health, mental health and pharmaceutical services. Despite the diversity in the topics and the methods used, they were all Health Systems Research. This is research which addresses priority problems faced within health services, and aims to produce relevant and useful information which can be used by managers and policy makers to improve the health system, and ultimately lead to improved health. Health Systems Research is therefore one of the key research fields necessary for the successful transformation of South Africa's health services. The third day of the conference was set aside for discussing how we can make Health Systems Research more effective in South Africa.
A panel of judges assessed each project against a six point criteria, namely: the relevance of the research topic and results to health systems development in South Africa the involvement of relevant service providers/decision makers in the project the appropriateness and feasibility of the aims, objectives and methods whether research capacity is being strengthened through the project the strategy for disseminating the results to relevant groups and, the presentation style and content - i.e. the clarity with which they present the information. The panel were then given the task of awarding three prizes.
Congratulations go to Bongiwe Shongwe, awarded the prize. 'New Health Systems Researcher of the Year', for her work on, The evaluation of the appropriateness and success of integrating of STDs at the Site B Health Complex, Khayelitsha, Cape Town. 'Best Health Systems Research Project' was awarded to the team which conducted the excellent work on, The impact of free care for pregnant women and children under six, coordinated by David McCoy. Finally, 'The Best Project Presentation' was awarded to Richard Hlophe and the team from Disabled People of South Africa, Howick, who presented a fascinating and stimulating presentation on, An exploration into the availability, affordability, servicing and applicability of assistive devices used by disabled people in KwaZulu Natal.
The proceedings of the conference will be available from the Health Systems Trust later this year. |
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