A framework for identifying and learning from countries that demonstrated exemplary performance in improving health outcomes and systems

• Authors: Austin Carter, University of Washington; Nadia Akseer, Hospital for Sick Children; Kevin Ho, Gates Ventures; Oliver Rothschild, Gates Ventures; Niranjan Bose, Gates Ventures; Agnes Binagwaho, University of Global Health Equity; Lisa R. Hirschhorn, Northwestern University; Matthew Price, Last Mile Health; Kyle Muther, Last Mile Health; Raj Panjabi, Last Mile Health; Matthew Freeman, Emory University; Robert Bednarczyk, Emory University; Zulfiqar Ahmed Bhutta, Hospital for Sick Children
• Journal Title: BMJ GLOBAL HEALTH
• Volume: Volume 5, Number 12
• Publisher: BMJ PUBLISHING GROUP | 2020-01-01
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1136/bmjgh-2020-002938
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Public Health; Health Sciences, Epidemiology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Public, Environmental & Occupational Health; epidemiology; health systems evaluation; public health; other study design; qualitative study; CHILD HEALTH; STUNTING REDUCTION; SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT; COUNTDOWN; DRIVERS; PRIORITIES; MORTALITY; CRITERIA; PROGRESS; NEWBORN

Abstract

This paper introduces a framework for conducting and disseminating mixed methods research on positive outlier countries that successfully improved their health outcomes and systems. We provide guidance on identifying exemplar countries, assembling multidisciplinary teams, collecting and synthesising pre-existing evidence, undertaking qualitative and quantitative analyses, and preparing dissemination products for various target audiences. Through a range of ongoing research studies, we illustrate application of each step of the framework while highlighting key considerations and lessons learnt. We hope uptake of this comprehensive framework by diverse stakeholders will increase the availability and utilisation of rigorous and comparable insights from global health success stories.