The Rethinking Organisational Options to Tackle Distress (ROOTS) is a network aimed at seeking to better understand the nature, drivers and consequences of moral distress faced by frontline staff, and the functioning of institutional processes aimed at minimising and managing this distress. The work involves the use of various methods, including the reviews of relevant guidance and literature, in-depth empirical work centred around a series of international research case studies, and wider consultations with frontline staff, managers and funders.
The overall goal of ROOTs is to develop evidence-based guidance that supports fairer conduct of international research, a more inclusive and creative research culture, and a strengthened research system that builds health system resilience. At the heart of the moral distress work is a participatory action research network comprising primarily frontline research staff and individuals responsible for supervising and supporting them. The aim is to work together to collaboratively co-design, implement iteratively, and evaluate practical guidance.
Our line of inquiry includes the following questions -
- What are the practical and emotional challenges experienced by frontline research and healthcare staff in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs), and what are the drivers of these challenges?
- What is the impact of these challenges on individuals, teams and health & research systems in LMICs?
- How can health and research systems be designed or adapted to minimise and manage distress among frontline staff, both during routine processes and in the face of external shocks?
The network also aims to support a series of research case studies and empirical work, involving staff working in international research programmes in LMICs.
We welcome questions, contributions, feedback and comments. Kindly contact the ROOTS coordinator:
Stephanie Nzekwu