Ethnography

Identifying the human factors in diagnostic tool usage at FIND

Project - Ethnography at the Foundation for Innovative New Diagnostics (FIND)

Problem: Point-of-care diagnostic tool introduced into a Botswana hospital to reduce bacteremia related deaths not being used one year post introduction

My Task: Discover reasons why the tool was not being used to help inform better implementation practices

Role: Research Intern/Principal Investigator
Timeline: April - August 2019
Methods used: Qualitative – User interviews, ethnography
Deliverables: Readouts, academic thesis

Step 1 - Ethnographic Work

I designed and conducted ethnographic interviews and observation sessions in both Botswana (the "users") and Switzerland (the "implementers").

Using the “Work System” framework (left image), I identified the factors that influenced the tool’s functionality within the Botswanan context (right image).

Step 2 - Identify Influences to Functionality

I identified potential barriers that impacted the tool's usage, taking into account perspectives from both implementers and users. By presenting these barriers to key stakeholders, I provided valuable insights to guide their implementation process and highlighted areas that require attention and improvement.

Step 3 - Identify and Communicate Barriers to Tool's Usage

Impact: Swiss implementers increased awareness programs throughout the Botswanan hospital with more frequent meetings and signage