Title
Action-Research-Based Optimisation Model For Health Care Behaviour Change In Rural India
Abstract
In this research, we utilise a multi-method braided approach for a real-world health care intervention in rural India. We first use action research to conceptually underpin the role of self-help groups, disease profiles and appropriate interventions in health care behaviour change and improvement. Action research is then coupled with a non-linear integer-programming-based simulation to determine how health care resources need to be distributed over time, disease type and groups. The action research provides specific research questions and distributional forms needed for the optimisation analysis, while the non-linear integer-programming simulation provides specific recommendations on where and when to distribute resources. External validity of the study is ensured by the adoption of recommendations in the field as part of the action research. Findings from this research have important policy implications. For example, it identifies the value of continuous embedded interventions as opposed to periodic ones and the importance of flexibility in terms of which community groups and disease types to serve over time. This research also provides an important bridge between the operations research, health care in developing nations, organisational theory and humanitarian operations bodies of knowledge.
Year
DOI
Venue
2018
10.1080/00207543.2017.1414329
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PRODUCTION RESEARCH
Keywords
DocType
Volume
action research, health care, development aid, intervention, humanitarian
Journal
56
Issue
ISSN
Citations 
21
0020-7543
3
PageRank 
References 
Authors
0.39
3
4
Name
Order
Citations
PageRank
Sameer Prasad1273.98
R.P. Sundarraj230.39
Jasmine Tata3131.99
Nezih Altay427114.90