Conducting Health Research in Conflict Settings: Navigating Research Challenges for Impactful Evidence
Understand and address the challenges of conducting rigorous, ethical, and impactful health research in conflict-affected areas, with this online course from King’s College London.
Duration
7 weeks
Weekly study
4 hours
100% online
How it works
Unlimited subscription
Learn more
Prepare for a complex research project with King’s College London
Whether from a quality or an ethics perspective, health research comes with its own unique challenges. These are only amplified in fragile or conflict-affected environments.
This seven-week course from King’s College London provides an overview of the challenges associated with health research in conflict. Structured around a series of real research case studies, the course provides the knowledge and skills you need to conduct impactful health research or audit and quality improvement projects in conflict settings.
Navigate the ethical considerations of conducting research in conflict settings
The course will begin by examining the ethical context of research in conflict settings.
You’ll gain an introduction to the ethical considerations of working with conflict-affected populations, and an overview of different study designs applicable to this research.
Review the challenges associated with specific research methods
Once you’ve understood the context you as a researcher will be working in, you can begin setting the parameters of your own research project.
Each week, you’ll review a different method or group of methods within health research, considering the specific challenges that arise with each.
You’ll also explore ways of maximising the impact of research to inform policy and practice.
Learn alongside interdisciplinary experts based around the world
Your instructors on this course are experts based at King’s College London, together with their partners in the Middle East and North Africa region. They all have years of experience in conducting research and providing research training in conflict-affected areas.
With their guidance, you’ll be able to ensure your research project achieves the greatest impact and meets the highest standards of ethics and academic rigour.
Week 1
Introduction to Study Designs in Conflict Settings
Welcome and Housekeeping
Let's have a warm welcome!
Understanding the unique context of conflict settings and its impact on research
We will shed light on the unique context of conflict settings and its profound impact on research, highlighting key challenges faced by researchers.
Ethical Considerations in Conducting Research in Conflict-Affected Populations
We will now shed light on the ethical considerations that researchers must navigate when conducting research in conflict-affected populations, with examples illustrating the importance of ethical decision-making in such contexts.
Overview of Study Designs Applicable in Conflict Settings
Now, that you are introduced to the uniqueness of conflict settings, you will have a look at the spectrum of study designs applicable in conflict settings, and a step-by-step guide to conducting a research project in conflict.
Addressing Challenges and Maximizing Research Potential in Conflict Settings: Insights and Practical Examples
Now, you will explore key challenges encountered in conflict settings with practical examples, highlighting innovative approaches and lessons learned. And we will then invite you for a discussion to reflect on your context.
Week 2
Cross-Sectional Study Design in Conflict Settings
Importance of cross-sectional studies in conflict settings
Why do we conduct cross-sectional studies? What are they? How do we conduct them?
Sampling Techniques and Considerations for Data Collection in Conflict Settings: Ensuring Representative and Ethical Research
What are the different types of sampling that can be used in a conflict setting?
Ethical Challenges and Strategies for Participant Recruitment and Consent: Ensuring Ethical Research in Conflict Settings
Researchers must navigate complex circumstances to protect participants' rights and well-being while generating valuable data.
Analysing and Interpreting Cross-Sectional Study Data in Conflict Settings
How do we analysing and interpreting data from cross-sectional studies conducted in conflict settings?
Week 3
Case-Control and Cohort Studies in Conflict Settings
Utilizing case-control and cohort studies to investigate specific outcomes in conflict settings
This section explores the importance of case-control and cohort studies in conflict settings and provides an example to illustrate their application.
Addressing Challenges of Sample Selection, Data Collection, and Follow-up in Cohort and Case-Control Health Research in Conflict
This article discusses the specific challenges encountered in cohort and case-control health research in conflict settings and provides strategies to address them effectively.
Week 4
Mixed Methods Research in Conflict Settings
Integrating qualitative and quantitative approaches in conflict settings
conducting comprehensive and nuanced health research requires a combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches.
Step-by-Step Guide to Designing and Conducting Mixed Methods Health Research in Conflict Settings
This step-by-step guide provides researchers with practical guidance on designing and conducting mixed methods health research in conflict settings, along with a real-world example to illustrate the process.
Data Collection Techniques and Tools for Capturing Contextual Factors and Lived Experiences
It is crucial to capture the contextual factors and lived experiences of individuals and communities.
Triangulation and Data Synthesis in Mixed Methods Research in Health in Conflict Settings
Triangulation and data synthesis are essential components of mixed methods research, let's have a read-through.
Week 5
Participatory Research Approaches in Conflict Settings
Participatory Action Health Research for Empowering Conflict-Affected Populations
This chapter explores the concept of participatory action health research and highlights its potential for empowering and promoting the well-being of those affected by conflict.
Engaging communities and stakeholders in research design and implementation
This chapter discusses the importance of community and stakeholder engagement in health research design and implementation and provides an example to illustrate its practical application.
Ethical Considerations and Power Dynamics in Participatory Health Research in Conflict
This chapter explores the ethical considerations and power dynamics inherent in participatory health research in conflict settings and provides insights into navigating these complexities.
Week 6
Data Analysis and Dissemination in Conflict Settings
Strategies for analyzing and interpreting data in conflict settings
This chapter will discuss strategies for effectively analyzing and interpreting data in health research in conflict settings, highlighting key considerations and providing practical examples.
Addressing Challenges of Data Security and Protection
Here, we will discuss the challenges of data security and protection in conflict-affected environments and provide strategies for addressing these challenges in health research.
Effective Dissemination of Health Research Findings to Inform Policy and Practice
This chapter explores the importance of effective dissemination of health research findings and provides strategies for ensuring the translation of research into policy and practice.
Week 7
Audit and Quality Improvement Projects in Conflict Settings: Enhancing Healthcare Delivery
Introduction to Audit and Quality Improvement Projects
In this chapter, we will provide an introduction to audit and quality improvement projects, highlighting their importance, key concepts, and benefits.
Case Studies: Successful Audit and Quality Improvement Projects in Conflict Settings
Let's have a look at these examples
Research, quality improvement (QI), and audit; differences and similarities
Research, quality improvement (QI), and audit are distinct but interconnected activities in healthcare. While they share some similarities, they differ in some aspects.
Acknowledgement
Thanks and gratitude
More courses you might like
Learners who joined this course have also enjoyed these courses.
