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AMPATH’s Qualitative Research Core
Listening for Impact
Every data point has a story behind it. A woman who chooses home birth or a patient who stops taking medication make those decisions shaped by beliefs, values and circumstances that numbers alone can’t capture.
“Qualitative research fills the gaps that numbers leave behind. It helps us see people, not just patterns.”
AMPATH’s Qualitative Research Core (AQRC) helps researchers uncover the human stories that explain the statistics. They provide deeper understanding for research questions which ultimately translates to better healthcare.
Numbers tell us what is happening, but stories tell us why it’s happening and how people experience it.
Violet Naanyu, PhD, is the founder and leads the AQRC and behavioural and social science research for AMPATH. The AQRC operates as a non-profit cost-recovery center with service charges based on services provided. The AQRC has a prequalified database of experienced data collectors, translators, transcribers, coders, and trainers that is updated annually.
A research team on a study for differentiated services for pregnant and postpartum women discusses the human-centered aspects of their research.
AMPATH’s AQRC offers the following services:
Data collection
Trained qualitative data collectors
Conversant with Kenyan languages and English
Extensive knowledge of Kenyan communities and health services
Transcription
Experienced transcribers
Conversant with Kenyan languages
Provide fast and professional assistance
Translation support
Experienced translators available
Conversant with Kenyan languages
Provide fast and professional assistance
The research team from the Mentor Mother Services Study learn about qualitative research techniques in 2023.
Training of research teams
Effective interviewing/ group moderating
Effective note-taking/scribing
Documenting and managing data during field work
Ethical considerations in research
Transcription
Coding qualitative data
Intensive 3-5 Day Training Workshops
Qualitative research: e.g. approaches, methods, sampling,
analysisUse of qualitative analysis software e.g. NVivo
Research proposal writing
Responsible conduct of research
Preparation of qualitative study reports/ manuscripts
Development of policy briefs
Human-centered designs
Data Coding
AQRC codes all transcripts, line by line and by each category of study participants
AQRC provides investigators with all findings from each domain of questions covered/reported in all transcripts.
Summarized into Excel sheet/s
Coded record is easily used in further analysis, e.g. thematic analysis & applying conceptual frameworks to the findings
Identification and lifting of illustrative quotes (optional)
AQRC uses NVivo software; however, other analysis options can be considered, as appropriate.
A PI can be part of the coding process e.g., AQRC clients who are in a training status and want to enhance their research skills
Other Services
Co-development of qualitative protocols/study reports
Development of terms of service for qualitative work
Implementation of evaluations (i.e. curriculum, programs)
