Unit Code: EPI835

Unit Name: Operational Research

Description: The focus of this course is to design and conduct an Operational or Implementation Research Project. An operational research (OR) aims to develop solutions to operational problems of specific service delivery components or health programmes (e.g. at a health clinic, hospital or with a disease control program) during the execution of its routine operations, and for which practically useful answers or solutions are urgently needed. The research ensures operational relevance and therefore rapid uptake and local utilization of the findings. The OR includes an Implementation research that aims to promote the uptake and successful implementation of evidence-based interventions and policies that are of proven effectiveness. The research can consider any aspect of implementation, including constraints to implementation, the processes of implementation, the results of implementation, how to introduce potential solutions, and sustainability. This course consists of 3 modules outlining of learning outcomes and specific outputs based on developing a research protocol; conducting the research study; reporting the study results to inform senior decision-makers; Each module is initiated with an intensive 5-day in-country face to face teaching and learning sessions aimed at supporting the development of the specified outputs progressively through self-directed learning and mentor-supported activities over the one semester, full time. The effectiveness of the targeted learning outcome will be assessed through the quality of each of the three specified learning outcomes. Students will elaborate the findings of an operational or implementation research in a mini-thesis or a report of up to 3,000 to 5,000 words to inform a senior decision maker on the required actions (i.e. it needs to meet the standards for publication in a peer reviewed journal).

Learning Target Outcomes: On successful completion of this course, the students will be able to: 1. Design a research protocol (including study rationale, problem statement, aims, objectives, literature review and methods). 2. Implement an operational research and analyse, summarize, explain the results, and offer recommendations to address the health need or problem. 3. Develop a mini-thesis or a report of up to 3,000 to 5,000 words to inform a senior decision maker on the required actions (i.e. it needs to meet the standards for publication in a peer reviewed journal).

Prerequisite: EPI831&EPI834 * EPI826 (for PGCFE graduates only)

Prerequisite Sentence: N/A

Credit Point: 40

Offered In: Semester 1,2