National stakeholder perspectives on the development of the Regional Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Engineering and eHealth (CEBE)

Abstract

Centres of Excellence by definition are expected to provide leadership, best practices, training and research in particular focus areas and act as coordinating entities that ensure certain innovations or services are delivered and implemented with the highest level of excellence. Rwanda, through the University of Rwanda, is developing a Centre of Excellence in Biomedical Engineering and eHealth (CEBE) to be a regional training, research and development (R&D), innovation and service delivery centre. This study explores the centre’s national stakeholder’s views and perceptions and recommends activities and strategies for its development.

This study used the directed qualitative content analysis technique – a qualitative study design - to identify themes from the views of 37 CEBE stakeholders coming from multiple public and private institutions in the health and education sector. These views were then analysed and compared to other scientific literature. The following common themes were identified and discussed: 1) Workforce planning, 2) Connections, 3) Availability of qualified, skilled and knowledgeable academics, 4) Training, 5) Facilities and resources, 6) Remuneration and retention, 7) Awareness and, 8) Scope and evaluate. Under business opportunities, the following themes were identified: 1) Tuition fees, 2) User-fees, 3) Research grants, 4) Consultancy services, 5) Clinical Services, 6) Patenting new products and designs.

In conclusion, for CEBE to realize this ambitious impact, it needs to develop in phases, by first ensuring its workforce is properly planned and that its programs and facilities are developed to adequately respond to the competency needs of the future. As a long term sustainability strategy, the centre should partner with reputable research organizations and industry companies in building local and regional staff capacity in training and research, offering services, developing new prototypes and products to address healthcare challenges for individual patients and the general healthcare delivery system.