Positive Deviance and Mixed Methods

Our GHLI faculty are global experts in the use of cutting edge research methods, including positive deviance and mixed methods. We have collaborated to pioneer the development and application of these approaches to study quality of care in healthcare organizations. We apply methods that allow for the explicit integration of real-life implementation issues and organizational context, characterizing not just what processes and practices are present in top performing organizations, but also the context in which they are implemented. This approach takes advantage of natural variation in performance, develops an evidence base through detailed organizational analysis and statistical testing of hypotheses, and supports collaboration between researcher and practitioner in ways that identify feasible solutions and foster support for dissemination and uptake of recommendations.