- Qualitative research using different methodological strategies (rapid ethnographies and grounded theory)
- Techniques for interviews, focus groups and non-participant observation
- Qualitative methods for research implementation (theoretical frameworks or models to account for implementation processes and models, and set of indicators to assess the interventions implemented, such as RE-AIM and CFIR)
- Rapid qualitative research methodologies
- Consensus methods and coordination of expert dialogs (Delphi, nominal groups, policy dialogs)
- Questionnaire preparation: questionnaire validation (face validity), cognitive interviews
When it comes to health, there are many questions that require an investigational approach aimed at trying to understand, describe and sometimes explain how health behaviors and decisions interact. Qualitative research methods allow us to address perceptions, beliefs and attitudes people have when they experience health problems and these factors cannot be addressed by using quantitative methods only.
The purpose of this unit research team is to create knowledge by using an interdisciplinary approach provided by communicators, psychologists, political scientists, anthropologists and other Social Science professionals.
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Our work
In 2017, the Qualitative Health Research Unit was created at the IECS. Thus, a working team who had been conducting qualitative studies for several IECS departments was formally designated.
Our unit conducts research studies, provides consultant services and carries out technical cooperation projects in collaboration with national and international agencies, and with academic institutions. We have collaborated with institutions such as Ministries of Health, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Pan-American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO), the International Development Bank (IDB), the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and UNICEF.
We are experienced in the following methodological approaches:
OUR WORK AREAS
From the very beginning, the Qualitative Research Unit has been involved in research studies related to barriers to vaccine coverage.
– Mother and Neonatal Immunization: coverage barriers and surveillance system implementation of new vaccines for mothers.
– Decision making in terms of immunization policies
– Reluctance to vaccines: in mother, children and adult vaccination
We work in collaboration with the Department of Mother and Child Health Research team. Some of the fields we are collaborating with include: respected delivery, strategies to increase screening and treatment of syphilis during pregnancy in order to prevent congenital syphilis and treatment of Chagas disease during pregnancy, clinical practice guideline for delivery care; maternal indicators; contraception and post-abortion services after the Zika epidemic in Honduras, sexual and reproductive health; obstetrical emergency drills in order to improve care.
We work in collaboration with the Department of Research on Chronic Diseases team in: barriers to the follow up of treatment of diabetes and hypertension; follow up of patients with chronic diseases at Primary Care Centers; obesogenic environments and healthy cities.
We participate in initiatives aimed at improving the quality of services in healthcare. We use a qualitative inquiry approach that help providers identify areas of improvement and we prepare recommendations on how to implement solutions. Many times, to improve health services, investing in technology or supply resources is not enough; there should also be a change in rooted behaviors.
