Teaching research: a programme to develop research capacity in undergraduate medical students at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

Background: Improved research ability is a core competency to achieve in health professionals. The Selectives is a three-year, longitudinal, community-based programme within the undergraduate curriculum which aims to develop research capacity in all medical students during the prescribed curriculum. In relation to the programme, the authors describe the types of studies conducted by students, conditions that facilitated their learning, how the experience improved students' knowledge of research and public health and their development of reflective learning practices.

Use of Polyclonal Intravenous Immunoglobulin at a Paediatric Referral Hospital in South Africa Between 2009 and 2012.

Background: Polyvalent intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) is registered for a limited number of specific indications in South Africa but is increasingly being used for unregistered uses. No guideline exists nationally to monitor and control IVIG prescription, which results in its use in many clinical situations with varying levels of evidence.

Purpose: This study describes the registered and unregistered use, and cost of IVIG at a tertiary paediatric hospital in South Africa.

Incentives and enablers to improve adherence in tuberculosis.

Background: Patient adherence to medications, particularly for conditions requiring prolonged treatment such as tuberculosis (TB), is frequently less than ideal and can result in poor treatment outcomes. Material incentives to reward good behaviour and enablers to remove economic barriers to accessing care are sometimes given in the form of cash, vouchers, or food to improve adherence.

Objectives: To evaluate the effects of material incentives and enablers in patients undergoing diagnostic testing, or receiving prophylactic or curative therapy, for TB.

Material incentives and enablers in the management of tuberculosis.

Background: Patient adherence to medications, particularly for conditions requiring prolonged treatment such as tuberculosis, is frequently less than ideal, and can result in poor treatment outcomes. Material incentives (given as cash, vouchers and tokens), have been used to improve adherence.

Objectives: To assess the effects of material incentives in people undergoing diagnostic testing, or receiving prophylactic or curative therapy, for tuberculosis.