Research

Research design

We provide an end-to-end support service using a range of methodologies.

Quantitative and qualitative studies

This includes:

• randomised and non-randomised trials
• cross-sectional studies (such as anthropometric and coverage surveys, as well as Nutritional Causal Analysis)
• observational cohort studies
• acceptability trials.

Examples include randomised controlled trials on dosage reduction in the treatment of severe acute malnutrition; combined protocols for the treatment of moderate and severe acute malnutrition, and comparison of nutrition treatment strategies with moderate acute malnutrition.

Evidence synthesis

This includes scoping, narrative and systematic reviews. Examples include:

• two systematic reviews and meta-analyses on the management of moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) conducted as part of the WHO Wasting Guideline development process
• a review of cost-efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the treatment of acute malnutrition
• a systematic review and meta-analysis on systematic use of antibiotics for uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition (SAM)

We regularly summarise and synthesise information from programme evaluations, coverage surveys, SMART surveys and Nutrition Causal Analyses. We have also conducted data pooling analyses to evaluate mortality risk in severely acutely malnourished children.

Programme evaluation and documentation

We conduct programme evaluations at mid-term, close-out and post-facto to capture learning and identify best practices.

Project management and support

We have significant experience in financial, grant and project management, collaboration and coordination with multiple partners and other stakeholders, and establishing and managing technical working groups and steering groups.

We also provide support with implementation and data collection, analysis and publication. This includes:

• project implementation plans
• training of study staff
• data collection systems
• data quality checks
• statistical analysis
• publication of findings in peer reviewed journals and other means.

Knowledge management and communications

We can provide end-to-end support from knowledge capture through to publishing, curation and dissemination. This includes the creation of simple report and technical briefs, design and publishing, multi-language translation, curation and archiving, use of knowledge management platforms to share research findings and collaborate with peers, and the development and growth of communities of practice.

Our team routinely produces newsletters and manages communities of practice for information sharing.

We can also support or advise on local, national and international engagement for uptake of research findings into public health policies and systems.