Operational research

Operational research provides decision-makers with information to enable them to improve the performance of their programmes. Operational research helps to identify solutions to problems that limit programme quality, efficiency and effectiveness, or to determine which alternative service delivery strategy would yield the best results. In simple terms it is described as “the science of better”.

Operational research focuses on factors which are under the control of programmes. It seeks to improve the number and quality of services and programme outputs and outcomes by optimizing programme inputs (e.g., personnel, supplies) and processes (e.g., training, supervision, promotion of services). Operational research can also determine cost-effective and sustainable ways to build service delivery capacity, test financing alternatives, and make advocacy and communication strategies and tools more effective. For example, a study to increase condom use among patients on antiretroviral treatment might experiment with changes in provider training or client counseling and measure the impact on the number of condoms distributed or frequency of consistent condom use.