Operations Research:Methods, Challenges, Emerging

Lessons, and Opportunities

Dr. Dennis Cherian Deputy Director, Health and HIV/AIDS

Why do Operations Research?

• Examine large problems in a small focused way

• Test and document successful and innovative ideas and designs

• Use evidence for national level scale up

How to choose an Operations Research concept

• Are there alternate approaches that increase access to care?

• What impact could your idea have on key morbidity and mortality issues?

How to choose an Operations Research concept

• What external or organizational learning's and experience can support your study?

• What is the potential to scale up the findings of your study?

Rationale for choice of OR methodology

•Dependent on the study topic•Demonstrate data richness

and strength •Ease of data collection •Availability of technical

support•Budget

Applying the OR concept in the real world context

•External technical partner helps

•Build on existing tools and materials

•Refine your idea •Never underestimate the

value of initial field assessment trip

Working through Uncertainty

• Security• Literacy • Human Resource

Availability• Gender• Access

Afghanistan - Mhealth

Challenges

•Relevance•Simplicity•Scalable and sustainable•Courage to “own your idea”•Management and staffing

issues

Questions?