On the 10th January 2014 a research workshop was held in Rwanda. The aim of the workshop was to support research capacity and to develop a research agenda in Rwanda. This workshop was supported by a team from across the region including:
- Dr Mhoira Leng, palliative medicine specialist, Makerere University Palliative Care Unit
- Eve Namisango, Researcher Manager, African Palliative Care Association (APCA)
- Dr Jean Luc Nkurikiyimfura, PC leader and Head of HIV Clinic/ University Central Teaching Hospital of Kigali
(CHUK) - Dr Vincent Karamuka palliative care team CHUK.
- Magnus Gasana, Psychologist and palliative care team CHUK
- Dr. Eric Krakaeur, HRH faculty and Asst. Prof of Medicine and of Global Health & Social Medicine, Harvard Medical School
- Dr Christian Ntizimira Palliative care expert and educator from Kibagabaga Hospital.
Twenty physicians from CHUK, Kibagabaga and Rwamagana hospitals registered for this 2 days of training. These included specialists, post-graduates and GPs.
The participants recognised a need for more research in palliative care in Rwanda as this will help to support evidence–based advocacy. Thirty three research topics were identified and divided in 3 categories for future research. These include:
- Patients/families/community
- Health system frameworks
- Staff/human resources
The phrase, “Without research palliative care is an art not a science” acted as inspiration throughout and led the participants to unanimously conclude that research in palliative care should be a priority throughout the health system.
At the end of the training research groups were formed and some priority topics identified for future research.
The training created an opportunity to discuss and learn about the importance of research among key stakeholders in palliative care in Rwanda. It was an opportunity to create a research group from hospitals that will focus on advocating for improvement of palliative care practices for the benefits of the patients.
The workshop was part of a wider project looking to strengthen and integrate palliative care into national health systems through a public health primary care approach. The project is funded by the Tropical Health Education Trust (THET). The lead partners for this project are the University of Edinburgh (UoE), the African Palliative Care Association (APCA) and the Makerere Palliative Care Unit (MPCU), which form the project steering group.
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