Methodology

Mixed Methods Research

The National Institutes of Health defines a mixed methods approach as one that supports a focus on real-life contextual understandings, multi-level perspectives and cultural influences, and employs a perspective on ‘what works.’ Mixed methods include qualitative and quantitative data which are integrated from the development/adaptation of research tools to analysis and data interpretation. This approach provides complementary contextual and statistical data which support a more complex and complete base on which to develop/adapt programs, evaluation tools, and support implementation strategies to address global health challenges.

Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)

Implementation science frameworks such as CFIR are utilized to support the transition between research and program implementation and dissemination. The CFIR approach includes multiple contexts and perspectives – individual (e.g., socioeconomic characteristics and experiences of intervention implementers and recipients), inner settings (e.g., organization and policies within intervention sites), outer settings (e.g., regulations and policies at local and national government levels), and intervention factors (e.g., content and delivery format). Through CFIR, early development of implementation strategies are designed to mitigate barriers and maximize facilitating components which support program sustainability. GHI has used the CFIR approach in projects focused on antimicrobial resistance and stewardship programs, HPV vaccine introduction, suicide prevention, and participation in cancer treatment and research.

Community Engagement

Community engagement is an essential component of global health research and program implementation. Community engagement ensures equity in terms of inclusion of stakeholders from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as representatives of organizations and institutions relevant to project success and program sustainability. Throughout our work, we have established local Scientific and Stakeholder Advisory Boards. Members of these boards are involved in all project aspects and are crucial to identifying local needs and new research avenues and program development. GHI built its community engagement approach on the UNICEF model which include six key components: participation, empowerment and ownership, inclusion, two-way communication, adaptation, and local capacity building.

Training and Education

Our team facilitates training programs in medical sciences, infectious disease, antimicrobial stewardship, research methodologies, ethics, and grant writing. These programs are taught by Henry Ford faculty members through local and international partner institutions. We host international visitors at Henry Ford Health and provide international training opportunities for partners as well as HFH residents/fellows. We also co-host workshops and conferences to share best practices.

Epidemiology/Molecular Biology

One of GHI’s focus areas is the global emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). To address disease spread in communities and healthcare facilities, we integrate a comprehensive understanding of AMR epidemiology and stewardship through training and adaptation of evidence-based interventions. We utilize a holistic One Health approach to address AMR at the human, animal, and environmental interface and tailor our programs to meet the specific challenges in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC).

Quality Improvement

A quality improvement framework is used to develop, evaluate, and implement changes. Through the iterative Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) framework, cycles of program implementation and evaluation enable GHI and its partners to test programs in real work settings. The PDSA framework provides a methodology to determine the most effective and feasible approaches to quality improvement during program development and implementation.

Reciprocal Innovation

Reciprocal Innovation enables bi-directional equitable exchange of methodology, technology, and/or standard operating procedures to address health challenges which can benefit both HFH and our international partner organizations and the populations they serve. The primary goal is to leverage the strength of HFH in collaboration with global partners in LMIC to promote mutual learning, build capacity, and improve health outcomes.