Research, Evaluation, and Dissemination
GDS staff have pioneered research methodologies and been in the forefront of developing effective dissemination tools and methods.
Research Methods
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GDS staff adapted the Kelly Role Rep methodology to studies of patient satisfaction in Indonesia. The forced-choice, ranking format overcame the common response biases encountered in pat-sat research. The work provided some of the first credible information on patient priorities and perceptions in developing-country health programs. The methodology is widely cited as a landmark in pat-sat research.
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Our staff made significant advances in rapid assessments, refining the methodology. An example, in a large mass-media behavior-change campaign in Jordan, coverage, comprehension, and effectiveness assessments were completed within 24 hours after broadcast of public-service announcements. This real-time monitoring was important in that many of the PSAs presented controversial content.
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Again in Jordan, staff made wide-spread use of mystery client/patient research to assess compliance with best clinical practices in pharmacies and Ob/Gyn practices.
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GDS staff were also among the first implementers of computer-assisted data collection, critical-incident methods, and peer review by front-line HWs.
And of course our staff have conducted large-scale KAP surveys, biomedical/clinical trials, multi-method research projects, cost-effectiveness studies, qualitative/anthropological research, nation-wide surveillance, and service-quality assessments.
Dissemination
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Our commitment to strengthening host-country institutions dictates that we adopt a supportive/facilitating role during dissemination. The benefits of ownership and implementation far exceed those that might be gained – polish, quality – were GDS to play a more prominent part. That noted, our team brings impressive and wide-ranging experience to the task, including production of award-winning PBS series, years in radio broadcasting, publication of well-reviewed books and articles, teaching at prestigious universities (MIT, LSE, JHU, Tufts) and for demanding audiences (Cabinet Ministers), and preparation of countless readable and informative reports.