Consultant at WIMR

Starting From : As soon as possible

Duration : Part-time or Full-time

Country : Vietnam

Base : Ha Noi

Date of position creation: November 2016

1. Context of the Mission:

The Woolcock Institute is lung health research organization, based at Sydney University, Australia (http://www.woolcock.org.au/). The Institute has operated in Vietnam since 2009, and is undertaking large and important operational and epidemiological research projects in collaboration with the National Tuberculosis Program in 9 Provinces, including Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City. Research in Vietnam currently focuses on tuberculosis but we anticipate that it will expand into other areas including programmatic management of chronic lung disease (asthma and COPD), air pollution research and preventive interventions that are relevant to lung health. The Woolcock also runs training in epidemiological and operational research methods for Vietnamese doctors and public health workers.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is endemic in Vietnam. A recent cohort study of 10,967 patients with TB, performed by the Vietnam National TB Program and the Woolcock Institute found high rates of TB relapse (6%) and death (10%) after patient commenced treatment. Our study also showed non-adherence was an important factor underlying relapse, suggesting that Vietnam’s existing policy of directly observed therapy (DOT) may be inadequate. A novel adherence monitoring method using mobile phones – Video Directly Observed Therapy (VDOT) – has been shown to be feasible and acceptable in the USA and Mexico (Garfein et al, Int J Tuberc Lung Dis 2015). This technology may enhance treatment outcomes in Vietnam, where 78% of TB patients owned a mobile phone and 95% of the population lives in areas with 3G mobile phone coverage. The objective of the project is to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of VDOT for patients treated for pulmonary tuberculosis in Hanoi, Vietnam.

2. Role:

This person will assist the Investigators in the conduct of the two research projects. In particular, this person will focus upon the implementation of the Manual of Procedures in each research site. This person will also assist with stakeholder engagement, arrange meetings and record findings resulting from this engagement.

3. Report structures/relationships: Country director

4. Main duties and Responsibilities:

• Work collaboratively with the staff and leaders within Provincial and National institutions of the National Tuberculosis Program to implement the two projects;
• Conduct training for doctors, nurses and patients as required;
• Recruit TB patients, administer study questionnaires, support patients to use SureAdhere app in a timely manner (direct and via phone call), review and verify web-based data daily;
• Conduct phone calls and household visits to study participants in Ha Noi as of the MOP;
• Ensure that any adverse events or activities undertaken in the Project that could harm the reputation of the research organizations, sponsors or any individuals are clearly documented and promptly reported to the Country Director;
• Maintain the equipment for the study, and ensure it is properly accounted for according to institutional policies;
• Support Country Director in regards to administration and financial requirements of the projects.
• Collect, compile and report project progress periodically;
• Participate in weekly meeting of the projects, write meeting minutes when required;
• Ensure the study is conducted in compliance with the Manual of Procedures and other policies of the Woolcock Institute.
• Organise stakeholder meetings for planning of interventions regarding chronic lung diseases
• Conduct interviews with stakeholders, including transcription of recordings

5. Key attributes / Selection criteria:

• A bachelor degree in public health or another health-related university qualification
• Experience in managing health-related research in Vietnam
• An ability to work with members of government health services
• Skills in database management, basic data analysis and data quality control
• Highly motivated, willing to learn, service-oriented and able to work under high pressure and within a limited time frame
• Excellent team work and communication
• Willingness and ability to travel within Vietnam
• Ability to speak and read by English

Submission should be sent through email: [email protected]; Cc: [email protected] before November 25th 2016