Research
A number of research papers about the cluster have been completed. Below are four peer-reviewed studies that have been accepted for publication
Prevalence survey of dermatological conditions in mountainous North India
The CHGN-UKC is keen to seek research opportunities to improve and complement our programs. So far we have been involved in two major projects and we hope to expand these further.
This research project would be incorporated into the ongoing CHGN-UKC project, potentially as an operational research project.
Recent publication on the progress of the cluster
Aim:
The main aim of this project is to document the processes, local outcomes and effectiveness of deliberate clustering of community health services in Uttarakhand State, North India.
Research objectives:
Identify the factors that have enabled the successful development of the cluster and also the factors that have been barriers to the clusters development
Describe changes (if any) in the linkages between the cluster NGOs involved in the CHGN-UKC
Describe changes (if any) in the linkages between cluster NGOs and non-cluster-NGOs, government programs (and government facilities), donors (national and International) and other stakeholders.
Evaluate the effectiveness of the cluster in helping cluster members to 1) address their programs weaknesses, 2)increase the visibility of their program; and 3 maximise their engagement with the formal sector
Measure if this "clustering" has increased the coverage and quality of community health services in the state of Uttarakhand.
Research Method:
drawing particularly on participant observation and FDGs, document the process and progress of the CHGN cluster formation
In March 2009, undertake a baseline survey and SSI interview with each individual cluster program to gather data on specific indicators; and then monitor these indicators yearly.
Monitor the key outputs of the cluster over the next 4 years through participant observation.
In the final Phase, in 2012, use the same framework to evaluate the cluster formation process and the cluster's impact on the quality and coverage of the individual programs.
The output and outcomes of this Community Health Global Clustering model.
DISABILITY SITUATIONAL ANALYSIS FOR CHGN-UKC
Nossal Institute for Global Health
The University of Melbourne,
187 Grattan Street, Carlton, Victoria 3010
Research Officer:
Saana (MPhil Psychology, PhD Candidate, AUSAID scholarship)
Research facilitators:
Dr Nathan Grills (MBBS, DPhil, MPH, Msc), Dr Beth Fuller
Resources:
Robert Kumar, Anuhgrah Disability Program and CHGN-UKC cluster coordinator and disability activist in India. He already facilitates an Australian funded disability program and he will be a key resource to take a lead on mainstreaming and this direction.
Nathan Grills - CHGN-UKC Cluster consultant and facilitator of the next cluster meeting in March. He is seconded to Nossal Institute of Global Health from Department of Human Services.
Beth Fuller- Disability Programs Officer, Nossal Institute of Global Health
CHGN-UKC cluster summary documents
Documents on disability in India provided by Beth
AIM:
To help the cluster understand the importance of responding to disability and guide the cluster on the particular approach to adopt as they consider moving into the field of disability. It will also help them identify other groups that they can draw on in their planning for future activities to respond to the need.
Objectives
The objectives to help achieve this aim are:
Objective 1:
Improve the clusters understanding of the prevalence and impact of disability in India, with particular reference, where possible, to the State of Uttarakhand. In addition to basic epidemiology on the distribution of PWDs, the predominant forms of disability will also be delineated. This will assist in raising awareness at the cluster meeting.
Objective 2:
In India, more specifically in Uttarakhand, identify the disability stakeholders and disability service providers including government groups, local disability specific programs, registered DPOs and other INGOs/NGOs who have attempted to mainstream disability into their activities. This will identify stakeholders to engage in undertaking future work in disability.
Objective 3:
Begin to identify the disability activities that presently exist, in terms of awareness raising activities, educational materials, disability specific programs and other mainstreaming activities. This will help the cluster identify existing disability initiatives that could be linked with, and potential sources of funding.
Major Outputs:
A final report will be required by the 3rd March in order to be printed and distributed to the cluster participants prior to the cluster meeting. The report will also present a number of recommendations for the cluster on, for example:
The opportunities for the cluster programs to work in disability in Uttarakhand
The Government agencies; NGOs with disability expertise; and DPOs that should be engaged
Given the situational analysis findings, options for the cluster to move forwards on disability (eg develop educational resources, DVD, awareness programs, apply for funding for Disability specific Programs)
15 minute Power Point presentation to be presented by Nathan Grills at the CHGN-UKC cluster meeting in mid-March.