Incorporating qualitative research methods into the monitoring and evaluation of neglected tropical disease programmes: a scoping literature review

Abstract

This publication addresses the limited use of qualitative methods in neglected tropical disease (NTD) programmes. It describes a scoping literature review conducted to inform the development of a guide to inform the use of rapid qualitative assessments to strengthen NTD mass drug administration (MDA) programmes. The review assessed how qualitative methods are currently used by NTD programmes and identified qualitative approaches from other health and development programmes with the potential to strengthen the design of MDA interventions. Systematic review articles were reviewed and searched using key terms conducted on Google Scholar and PubMed. Results show that methods used by NTD programmes rely heavily on focus group discussions and in-depth interviews, often with time-consuming analysis and limited information on how results are applied. Results from other fields offered insight into a wider range of methods, including participatory approaches, and on how to increase programmatic uptake of findings. Recommendations on how to apply these findings to NTD control are made. The topic of human resources for qualitative investigations is explored and a guide to improve MDAs using qualitative methods is introduced. This guide has direct applicability across the spectrum of NTDs as well as other public health programmes.

Rapid ethnography and participatory techniques increase onchocerciasis mass drug administration treatment coverage in Benin: a difference-in-differences analysis

“…Embedded time tracking in this study indicated that at least 389 hours (16 days) of research team time were needed to collect ethnographic data in both communes. While rapid ethnography is considered well suited for health and development sectors where resources are limited [ 12 ], the approach may need to be further simplified such that it could be operationalized during more routine campaign programming [ 27 ]. Routinizing rapid ethnography to solve coverage challenges may also require more intentional embedding of research capacity within health departments [ 28 ].…”