Ethnography for Public Health Research and Improvement module (GM52042)

Ethnography is a research approach that involves observing people in their own environments. It looks to understand their experiences, perspectives and everyday lives. It is a well-established and widely used approach in public health research.

Across different communities, cultures and contexts, hidden aspects of social life reveal themselves. It makes sure improvement is sensitive, inclusive, and grounded in the needs of key users. This could be patients, families, or staff, for example.

In this module you'll learn about ethnography and its use in public health challenges. You'll learn key data collection and analysis methods, including:

• observation
• writing fieldnotes
• interviewing
• thematic data analysis
• using qualitative data analysis software NVivo.

These methods are all used by qualitative researchers.

What you will learn

In this module you will learn about:

• key ethnography concepts and methods
• applying them to contemporary public health challenges
• data collection through interviews and observations - principles, methods, and ethical considerations
• data management - transcribing interviews, data coding using NVivo
• data analysis

By the end of this module you will be able to:

• reflect on the principles, theories, concepts, and practices of ethnography
• understand how they apply to healthcare delivery and improvement
• review different methods of data collection, management and analysis to improve healthcare delivery
• show your practical skills in data collection, management and analysis
• apply your ethnography skills to improve healthcare.

Assignments / assessment

• written assignment (90%)
• class engagement (attendance and contribution to class activities) (10%)

Teaching methods / timetable

• Interactive sessions with feedback
• small group teaching
• practical and role play activities
• self-directed learning