About the operations research course

The WHO operational research (OR) course was designed for experienced managers and researchers. It consists of presentations by experienced practitioners of OR, and class discussion. Participants also work in small teams to write the first draft of an OR proposal that may be submitted to WHO. Facilitators are available to work closely with participants on proposal writing. Reading is assigned in advance and all participants are expected to have completed it before the first course session. Classes meet daily for two weeks.

Background

OR provides managers with information to make decisions to improve programme operations, to solve problems or take advantage of opportunities.

OR in reproductive health uses systematic research techniques drawn from business, social science and health to improve programme effectiveness, quality and efficiency. In the health sector, it has been used in hospitals and clinics, communities and commercial enterprises, and public, private and nongovernmental contexts.

OR is distinguished from other research because it studies factors that are under programme policy-makers and managers’ control. These factors include programme operating systems, activities, and norms and procedures, such as supervision, client education and counselling, and service delivery organization, among many others. If the factor being studied is not under a manager’s control and the result of the study does not contribute to programme objectives, the project is not OR.

OR is used to both design new programmes and improve existing services. Policy-makers and managers participate in all phases of OR, from problem identification to solution implementation.

OR has been used in reproductive health programmes worldwide for over 30 years. A few examples of some OR projects that are relevant to the reproductive health programmes of eastern Europe and central Asia include:

• experiments to increase condom use among sexually active adolescents;
• project measuring of the quality of existing reproductive health services and identifying key areas for improvement;
• studies of the impact of post-abortion counselling and services on repeat abortions;
• project determining the most effective and cost-effective ways to promote breast-feeding in maternity programmes; and
• production of models for the optimal location of specialized medical equipment.