Once your topic has been approved, you will need to create a project work plan. A work plan provides a complete picture of your research and how you plan to accomplish the tasks required to effectively research healthcare management and the delivery of health services. Please refer to the Week 1 online learning resources for more information about creating a work plan and to see a sample work plan.
For your research, you are required to submit a work plan that includes the following information:
Problem statement - Describe the problem motivating the research.
Research objectives - A purpose statement that includes the scope of the research and includes any identified limitations, i.e. budget constraints.
Importance/Benefits - Significance of the problem.
Research Design - Include data collection sources and methods.
Data Analysis - What information do you plan to provide in your report?
Results: Deliverables - What do you expect to deliver as your research?
Full Answer Section
Research Objectives
This research seeks to:
- Identify key factors influencing healthcare access, affordability, and quality in [specific country or region].
- Evaluate the effectiveness of existing healthcare delivery models in addressing the needs of the population.
- Develop a framework for improving healthcare access, affordability, and quality based on the findings.
- Identify potential policy and programmatic interventions to enhance healthcare outcomes.
Limitations: The research will be limited by the availability of data, the scope of the study, and time constraints.
Importance/Benefits
Understanding the factors affecting healthcare access, affordability, and quality is crucial for developing effective policies and interventions to improve population health. By identifying successful strategies, this research can inform decision-makers and contribute to the development of sustainable healthcare systems.
Research Design
A mixed-methods approach will be employed to gather both quantitative and qualitative data.
Quantitative Data:
- Secondary data analysis of health statistics, demographic data, and healthcare utilization patterns.
- Surveys to collect data on healthcare access, affordability, and patient satisfaction.
Qualitative Data:
- In-depth interviews with healthcare providers, policymakers, and community members to explore their perspectives on healthcare challenges and solutions.
- Focus group discussions to gather insights from patients and community representatives.
Data Analysis
Quantitative data will be analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistical methods to identify trends, patterns, and relationships among variables. Qualitative data will be analyzed through thematic analysis to identify key themes and insights.
Results: Deliverables
The research will deliver the following:
- A comprehensive report outlining the findings of the study.
- Policy recommendations based on the research findings.
- A framework for improving healthcare access, affordability, and quality.
- Presentations to key stakeholders to disseminate research findings.
This work plan provides a foundation for the research project. It will be refined as the research progresses and new information emerges.
Sample Answer
Problem Statement
The increasing cost of healthcare, coupled with disparities in access and quality of care, presents a significant challenge to healthcare systems worldwide. The problem is particularly acute in developing countries, where limited resources and infrastructure hinder the effective delivery of essential health services. This research aims to explore strategies for improving healthcare access, affordability, and quality in a resource-constrained setting.