In 2009, The Union introduced two groundbreaking approaches to bolster operational research (OR) capabilities in low- and middle-income countries. One, an output-oriented training model that taught research by doing, and the other, a fellowship programme embedding researchers within national health systems. These efforts have resulted to date in over 1,800 publications, 70% of those being original studies, that contributed to real-world changes in policy and practice, especially in tuberculosis (TB) care.
Drawing on 15 years of success, The Union released the second edition of its Guide to Operational Research, capturing knowledge and experience gained from its global research initiatives.
Responding to widespread demand from past course participants and facilitators, The Union’s Centre for Operational Research, with funding support from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, revised its original guide to create a more comprehensive, practical tool. This new edition is structured around 15 easy-to-navigate chapters, each framed by questions that lead readers through the full operational research cycle.
From defining a strong research question to selecting study designs, developing protocols and understanding ethical requirements, the guide walks researchers through every phase. It includes chapters on project planning, budgeting, data collection, analysis and most importantly, communicating findings to drive change, whether through scientific publications or policy improvements.
Rich with examples (many drawn from national TB programmes), practical tips, figures, tables and key messages, the guide makes operational research both accessible and actionable.
Dr Sairu Philip, Principal at Government Medical College, Kannur, India, said: “The Union’s ‘Operational Research Course Guide to improve health service’ is a treasure trove of relevant OR modules arranged in a simple and systematic way to drive home research concepts in a clear and concise manner. Distilled from practical experience and designed for adult learners, it is a ready reckoner. Perfect for any enthusiastic operational researcher or trainer.”
Who should use the guide?
This guide is designed for healthcare professionals working in disease control and public health, especially those aiming to improve effectiveness through evidence-based approaches. It also serves as a valuable resource for participants and facilitators of the SORT IT (Structured Operational Research and Training Initiative) course, capturing core training content in a narrative format ideal for both pre-course preparation and ongoing reference.
Why it matters now more than ever
At a time when national health programmes face cuts in external funding, operational research is not a luxury. It is a necessity. It equips countries to find cost-effective, locally relevant solutions to maintain and improve health services.
Ajay Kumar, Director – Centre for Operational Research at The Union, said: “In recent months, many national disease control programmes have needed to adjust to drastic declines or outright stoppages in external financial support. These are times when operational research can and should be employed to answer questions on how best to ensure sustained and cost-effective disease control activities.
“The launch of the updated guide is a testament to The Union’s commitment to building the knowledge, skills and systems needed to end TB.”
Read also our editorial on the guide and share The Union’s fact sheet on operational research with your colleagues
The editorial sums up The Union’s efforts to promote and create capacity in operational research. Our fact sheet presents a succinct summary of what it takes to start, implement and complete an operational research project and strengthen our disease control services and programmes.
The guide, editorial, and fact sheet are available free of charge, and we encourage you to help expand access by sharing them widely within your networks.