Progress report on provincial health research areas

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: The progress report on provincial areas for public health research was updated through the Ministerial Network for Health Research (REMINSA). METHODS: Virtual meetings were held for discussion with REMINSA referents, and a survey in Google Forms® on regulatory, organizational and budgetary behavior was conducted, including task scope and needs for improvement. RESULTS: A total of 21 responses were received from 21 provinces with referents. There is a broad framework of regulations for human health research and, to a lesser extent, for the promotion of public health research. The results showed that 71% have some institutional structure, 20% offer research grants, and 20% have medical residencies with a research profile. The main activity is regulation or participation in ethics committees. The promotion, dissemination of results and development of evidence-based research projects were relegated (20%). The research areas are well-established in most of the provinces. DISCUSSION: The challenge lies in promoting the development of these systems in provinces without ministerial areas and strengthening the jurisdictions that do have such areas. REMINSA has identified opportunities to improve communication between jurisdictions, regulations for the promotion of research, and networking for research, management and decision-making.