FAQs

What is HRWeb?

When was HRWeb created?

Why was HRWeb created and how does it benefit the various users?

Why is HRWeb an interactive platform?

What are the users allowed to edit information in HRWeb?

What do I need to know to become a focal point?

How do I create an account within HRWeb?

Is HRWeb part of COHRED's website?

Would HRWeb compete against local institutions' websites? (complementarity vs. competition)

How is HRWeb sustainability ensured?

How about IP protection and security issues?

How does HRWeb ensure quality control?

How does HRWeb address research for health?

What is HRWeb?

This site establishes and maintains a unique information resource that provides essential information on national health research systems. HRWeb is a practical web-based platform that improves access and sharing of health research information between all those active in low and middle income countries policy makers, research managers, researchers, and donors, civil society organizations, media, etc. Now evolved to the first service of its kind that allows users to collect health research related information in a common format, analyse, graphically display and share this information.

When was HRWeb created?

HRWeb exists since 2006 as a static website and now evolved into an interactive platform for management of health research in low and middle income countries - LMIC. This process has been guided by a series of technical consultations amongst key stakeholders of national health research systems from - LMICs.

Why was HRWeb created and how does it benefit the various users?

HRWeb has been created in order to fulfill the absence of an information resource on national health research for development in LMICs that can play a role in the different levels and contexts in which decision making takes place. The information needs of stakeholders are extensive and varying but at the same time they are similar: basic research management information to enable them to improve their impact, synergy collaboration and focus.

Why is HRWeb an interactive platform?

HRWeb evolved from being a single entry point to a multiple entry access platform. It allows different groups of users to add and edit content using a password according to their institutional membership. Each group of users is granted a specific profile that allows different levels of interaction within the site.

What are the users allowed to edit information in HRWeb?

General User (User that only accesses HRWeb and does not create an account)

• Authorized actions:
  • Search functions and result pages

User Member (User who creates an account within HRWeb)

• Authorized actions:
  • Discussions
  • Downloads
  • Resources

Administrator (Member of COHRED staff who provides technical support to HRWeb)

• Authorized actions: Adding & Editing
  • Oversee HRWeb
  • User managemen

Government (Member of the Government who is assigned a password)

• Authorized actions:
  • Adding & Editing
  • Governance and Policies
  • National Priorities
  • Key Institutions/Networks
  • Research Financing and Partnership
  • Health Research Projects
  • Resources

Key Institution (Member of a key institution who is assigned a password)

• Authorized actions: Adding & Editing
  • Key Institutions/Network Page
  • Health Research Projects
  • Resources

Country Reviewer (User responsible for flagging possible corrections or needed updates)

• Authorized actions:
  • Discussions
  • Communication Channel to COHRED Translator Authorized actions: Adding & Editing content
  • Access to the headings of HRWeb

What do I need to know to become a focal point?

The focal point is the person responsible for maintaining and updating country- specific information for HRWeb. The person is designated to post and maintain information on HRWeb on behalf of the institution be it government, academic and research institutions, civil society organizations, donors and private sector he/she represents.

Duties and Responsibilities
(This description is not an exhaustive list and will be subject to periodic review and amendment) All requirements listed indicate the minimum level of knowledge, skills and/or ability deemed necessary to perform the task proficiently).

• Insert, maintain, update and monitor data recorded in respect of the Quality and Control
• Coordinate the flow of information
• Liaison with internal and external contacts

Skills

• Knowledge and experience of computer applications: Internet, spreadsheets, word processing, and database management
• Verbal and written communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Well organised and with good time management
• Attention to detail
• Initiative

Personal Qualities

• Integrity/honesty - chooses ethical courses of action
• Considered as a responsible and credible member of the staff
• Confidentiality
• Reliability
• The ability to work independently

Professional Qualities

• Good understanding of his/her institution mission and scope of action.
• Understanding of the Internet and its implications in the dissemination of health research information.
• Understanding of concepts of National Health Research Systems.

Is HRWeb part of COHRED's website?

HRWeb is no longer under COHRED's website. HRWeb is independent at www.healthresearchweb.org and each country page has its own name in the URL. Example: www.healthresearchweb.org/senegal.

Would HRWeb compete against local institutions' websites? (complementarity vs. competition)

HRWeb was conceived to be a mechanism for management of national research for health by all stakeholders involved in the country. In the same line, HRWeb was not created to replace existent national databases and/or websites, it is meant to complement and expand their reach and visibility through a single window. HRWeb provides exchange opportunities between researchers and advocate for health research in the country. At the same time, COHRED provides technical support for the use of it but countries are free to decide until what extend to develop it according to their national specific needs.

How is HRWeb sustainability ensured?

HRWeb counts not only on COHRED to exist but on the whole community of users who interacts with it. The channel of information is decentralized allowing many actors to feed it. HRWeb is a community as apposed to a simple website. It is the use of it that keeps it alive. HRWeb is not owned by COHRED but by all of its users. HRWeb is developed in open source software which permits users to use, change and improve the software. It also allows for data back up. Each institution involved will be able to keep a constant back up of all data in case HRWeb discontinues, and procedures will be available within the user guide.

How about IP protection and security issues?

A profile for the person in charge of entering data in HRWeb is well defined based on a clear set of criteria including responsibility and knowledge sensitivity. HRWeb has a solid editorial policy, user manual and security features including user profiles with protected password.

How does HRWeb ensure quality control?

HRWeb counts on a pool of country editors on a volunteer basis to ensure that information is correct, credible, relevant and up to date. The country editor seats on different constituencies such as: Government, academic and research institutions, civil society organizations, etc. the ultimate goal is to have three editors per country. HRWeb also keeps track of all information provided. There is a log history which indicates who and when entered or edited it. The information can only be provided by members with specific profiles. The users may RSS different section in order to receive updates on their fields of interest.

How does HRWeb address research for health?

One of the HRWeb's sections is "Health Research Projects and Publications" and it allows key institutions to register through a submission form that identifies and screen projects that fall under other fields such as social science, agriculture, environmental science, etc.