Enhancing fieldworkers' performance management support in health research: an exploratory study on the views of field managers and fieldworkers from major research centres in Africa.

Introduction: Fieldworkers are part of the system that promotes scientific and ethical standards in research, through data collection, consenting and supporting research, due to their insider cultural knowledge and fluency in local languages. The credibility and integrity of health research, therefore, rely on how fieldworkers adhere to institutional and research procedures and guidelines.

Objectives: This study mapped out existing practices in training, support and performance management of fieldworkers in Africa, described fieldworkers' and their managers' experiences, and lessons learnt.