We are requesting NPR 1,335,000 to set up the JNMA Podcast Studio, an initiative by the Journal of Nepal Medical Association (JNMA) to enhance healthcare communication in Nepal. The funds will support the creation of a professional studio equipped with high-quality tools, soundproofing, and editing software to produce engaging and impactful podcasts. This platform will spotlight research, encourage collaboration among stakeholders, raise awareness on critical health issues, and inspire 50,000 healthcare professionals to participate in research, shaping the future of healthcare in Nepal.

Goals

Goals, Plans, Challenges, and Evaluation

Promote Research Communication

Plan: Create a platform where researchers can share their work through monthly podcasts, interviews, and discussions.

Challenges: Many researchers may not be familiar with podcasting as a way to communicate their findings.

Solution: Organise workshops and outreach programs to help researchers understand the value of podcasts.

Evaluation: Measure success by tracking the number of researchers participating, podcast downloads, and audience feedback.

Encourage Stakeholder Engagement

Plan: Bring together policymakers, healthcare professionals, and civil society for collaborative discussions.

Challenges: Coordinating schedules and ensuring active participation from busy stakeholders.

Solution: Offer flexible recording timings and recognise contributors in JNMA publications to encourage involvement.

Evaluation: Assess the diversity of participants and the depth of discussions generated.

Enhance Public Awareness

Plan: Develop engaging, easy-to-understand content on critical health issues for the general public.

Challenges: Simplifying complex medical topics while maintaining accuracy.

Solution: Work with medical communicators and use storytelling to make content relatable and accessible.

Evaluation: Monitor audience engagement through views, shares, and comments, and conduct surveys to gauge understanding.

Sustain Quality Production

Plan: Invest in professional equipment, soundproofing, and software to ensure high-quality content.

Challenges: High upfront costs and the need for ongoing maintenance.

Solution: Set aside a maintenance budget and train staff to handle equipment properly.

Evaluation: Regularly review production quality through audience feedback and technical performance checks.

Empower Healthcare Professionals in Research

Plan: Inspire 50,000 health workers to engage in research by showcasing its impact through podcasts.

Challenges: Limited exposure to research opportunities and resources among healthcare professionals.

Solution: Share training resources and highlight success stories to motivate participation.

Evaluation: Track the number of healthcare professionals taking up research activities after engaging with the podcasts.

By tackling these goals step by step, the JNMA Podcast Studio aims to make a meaningful contribution to healthcare communication and research in Nepal.

Needs

In Nepal, there’s a clear gap in effectively sharing medical research and healthcare knowledge with both professionals and the public. Despite growing research, much of it remains inaccessible or poorly understood, limiting its impact on healthcare practices and public awareness. This disconnect is evident in the lack of platforms that bring together researchers, policymakers, and the public, missing opportunities for collaboration and informed decision-making.

Evidence of this issue includes reports like the 2020 Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC) study, which found low research engagement among healthcare workers due to limited exposure and resources. Media reports also highlight the public’s lack of understanding on critical health topics, such as vaccination and disease prevention, pointing to the need for better communication channels.

The JNMA Podcast Studio aims to address this gap by creating a platform where research is shared in an engaging and accessible way. By featuring experts and fostering discussions, it will bridge the divide between research and practice. Globally, medical podcasts like The Lancet Voice have shown how effective this medium can be in inspiring professionals and educating the public.

In Nepal, with rising internet and smartphone use, podcasts offer a scalable and cost-effective solution. The JNMA Podcast Studio will enhance research visibility, encourage collaboration, raise awareness, and inspire healthcare professionals to engage in research, ultimately improving healthcare outcomes in the country.