Structured Operational Research and Training (SORT-IT) in Indonesia

The focus of this operational research course for Indonesia is to support Indonesia institutions and key leaders in the tuberculosis (TB) response in multiple locations across Indonesia, including Yogyakarta and Timika. Providing an opportunity to undertake operational research in accordance with their priorities not only enables sustainable research capacity but opportunity for organisational change. 

Objective

We aim to develop the practical skills for conducting operational research, publishing the findings and fostering policy and practice change.

Timeline

2022–2023.

Approach

The tuberculosis burden in Indonesia is ranked third highest globally for drug-sensitive and drug-resistant TB. Burnet Institute along with Universitas Gadjah Mada and other partners run search-treat-prevent strategies.

This includes mobile community-based screening using chest X-ray and artificial intelligence software to read chest X-rays, and provision of TB preventive treatment for both drug sensitive and drug resistant TB, and work with government and other key stakeholders to help mitigate the burden of TB in several locations in Indonesia.

Operational research has been defined as the search for knowledge on strategies, interventions or tools that can enhance the performance of health programs in which the research is being conducted and is an important component of a comprehensive response to TB.

For many participants, who are healthcare workers or health programmers, undertaking the operational research course provides an opportunity for their programs to be improved.

Many participants after going through the process and learning how to conduct quality operational research will be able to strengthen their research capacity from what they have learnt during the course and apply new knowledge to their programs.

There are 10 participants in this SORT-IT course, which comprises of three modules and a series of milestones which must be met by the participants. Participants simultaneously undergo the training and learn the practical skills required to write a study protocol, including data capture and analysis and preparing for submission into a peer-reviewed journal.

Allocated facilitators from University of Gadjah Mada, Menzies School of Health Research and Burnet Institute, throughout the course of the three training modules for ongoing support and guidance. 

Learn more about SORT-IT operational research and training.

Community impact

For many participants, who are healthcare workers or health programmers, undertaking the operational research course provides an opportunity for their programs to be improved to service the community.

Many participants after going through the process and learning how to conduct quality operational research will be able to strengthen their research capacity from what they have learnt during the course and apply new knowledge to their programs.