Indicators for tracking programmes to strengthen health research capacity in lower- and middle-income countries: a qualitative synthesis

This qualitative synthesis aimed to catalog indicators used to evaluate health research capacity strengthening (health RCS) in lower- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and assess gaps in quality and coverage. Twelve evaluations were purposively selected for diversity. Results showed remarkable variation in evaluation design strengths, with few reports documenting indicator validity or biases. Indicators primarily focused on activities, outputs, or outcomes, with limited attention to interrelationships. Individual-level indicators were more quantitative, comparable, and equity-focused than institutional or national/international indicators. Opportunities for improvement include enhanced indicator measurement properties, better incorporation of knowledge user relationships, improved evaluation design, prospective indicator measurement, and systematic indicator linkage aligned with theories of change.

Donald C Cole, Alan Boyd, Garry Aslanyan, Imelda Bates