From the Foundation
Why Good Research Is Not Enough
In recent issues, we explored how preventable harm occurs in clinical care and why scientific evidence must guide safer prescribing. Yet an equally important question remains: what happens when that evidence is never effectively communicated?
It is a common assumption that once a study is completed, the work is done. Many health studies end as “data in a drawer.” They are conducted, analysed, and written, but never published or shared in ways that allow others to use them.
Evidence cannot influence care if it is invisible. A well-designed study may offer a solution to a critical health problem, but if the clinician at the point of care is unaware of it, its impact is lost. The gap between research and practice is therefore not only about generating evidence, but about ensuring that it is accessible, understandable, and applied.
Closing this gap requires more than producing new knowledge. It requires strengthening how research is communicated, shared, and translated into real-world decision-making. Without this, even the best science remains disconnected from patient care.
Event Spotlight
Why Research Visibility Matters in Healthcare
When we talk about research visibility, we are referring to the barriers that prevent scientific knowledge from reaching those who need it most.
One major challenge is unpublished research. Studies are often shared only when the results are positive or exciting. However, knowing that a treatment does not work is equally important. When such findings remain unpublished, other researchers may repeat the same ineffective approaches, wasting time, resources, and opportunities for progress.
Another barrier is limited access to scientific literature. Much of the world’s research is locked behind subscription paywalls. For many healthcare professionals, especially in resource-limited settings, paying to access a single article is not feasible. As a result, valuable knowledge remains out of reach for those working closest to patients.
There is also the challenge of poor dissemination. Research findings often remain confined to academic journals and conferences. Without translating this knowledge into accessible formats, such as policy briefs, training materials, or clinical summaries, the information does not reach frontline healthcare providers or decision-makers.
Improving research visibility is therefore not simply about publication; it is about ensuring that knowledge moves beyond academic spaces and informs practice. When research is visible, it can guide safer treatment decisions, improve outcomes, and strengthen healthcare systems.
Medicine Safety Insight
Why Poor Documentation Leads to Unsafe Care
Patient safety depends not only on the medicines prescribed, but on the quality of the information that accompanies them.
When documentation is incomplete or inconsistent, the healthcare system becomes vulnerable to error. A patient’s medical record is more than a file; it is a continuous account of their treatment history. If key details are missing, the next healthcare provider may make decisions based on incomplete information.
One of the most common risks is incomplete records. Missing information about previous treatments, allergies, or existing conditions can lead to inappropriate prescribing or harmful drug interactions.
Another critical issue is the underreporting of adverse drug reactions. When side effects are not documented or reported, important safety signals are lost. This prevents healthcare systems from learning and increases the likelihood that other patients will experience the same harm.
Poor documentation also leads to weak clinical decision-making. Healthcare professionals rely on accurate data to make informed choices. When records are unclear, outdated, or incomplete, decisions become less reliable, increasing the risk of treatment failure or adverse outcomes.
Improving documentation practices is therefore essential for the rational use of medicine. Clear, accurate, and consistent records ensure that the right patient receives the right treatment at the right time: safely.
Research & Innovation Watch
Open Science and the Future of Accessible Research
A growing movement in healthcare, known as Open Science, is challenging traditional models of research access.
Open Science promotes the idea that research should be freely available to everyone. Instead of restricting access through paywalls, it encourages the sharing of data, methods, and findings so that knowledge can be used widely and efficiently.
This approach has significant implications for global health. When research is openly accessible, a student, clinician, or policymaker anywhere in the world can access the same information. This reduces inequality in access to knowledge and accelerates scientific progress.
Open Science also improves transparency and collaboration. By making data and methods available, researchers can validate findings, build on existing work, and avoid duplication. This leads to more efficient use of resources and faster translation of knowledge into practice.
However, the success of Open Science depends on systems that support quality, accountability, and responsible data use. Open access alone is not enough; it must be accompanied by strong research standards and clear communication.
Ultimately, Open Science represents a shift in how knowledge is viewed, not as a private resource, but as a shared foundation for improving health outcomes.
Training & Capacity Building
Publishing Research and Using Reference Managers
Ensuring that science reaches the clinic requires more than generating evidence—it requires building the skills to communicate and organise that evidence effectively.
This month, QPHRF focuses on strengthening practical skills in two key areas:
Publishing Research
Participants are guided through the process of preparing research for publication, including structuring a manuscript, responding to peer review, and selecting appropriate journals. Publishing ensures that research becomes part of the global evidence base and can inform practice beyond the original study setting.
Reference Management
Effective research writing depends on accurate and organised referencing. Tools such as Zotero and Mendeley help researchers manage large volumes of literature, organise citations, and generate bibliographies efficiently. These tools improve the quality, credibility, and reproducibility of research.
By strengthening these skills, healthcare professionals and researchers are better equipped to ensure that their work is visible, accessible, and impactful.
Upcoming Webinar
Publishing Research and Using Reference Managers for Effective Literature Search and Referencing
Planning to publish your research or improve how you manage references?
This practical session will cover:
- Preparing a manuscript for publication
- Understanding the peer-review process
- Efficient literature searching strategies
- Using reference managers (e.g., Zotero, Mendeley)
- Avoiding common referencing errors
Date: TBC
This webinar is ideal for clinicians, postgraduate students, and early-career researchers preparing theses, dissertations, or journal articles.
➡ Register here: (Insert link)
Quick Knowledge
What is Research Translation?
Research translation is the process of turning scientific findings into practical applications in healthcare. It ensures that evidence is not only generated but also communicated, understood, and used to improve patient outcomes.
About the Qua Pillar Health Research Foundation (QPHRF)
The Qua Pillar Health Research Foundation is a health research and capacity-building organization dedicated to improving patient safety and the quality use of medicines in low- and middle-income settings, particularly in Africa. Our work focuses on pharmacovigilance, rational medicine use, and translating research evidence into clinical practice and health policy.