Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 21, 2026
05:35
Author Spotlight: Developing a Point-of-Care Hemoglobin Estimation Method for Anemia Management
Published on: January 19, 2024
1.6K
Insights into Global Health Practice from the Agile Software Development Movement
David Flood1, Anita Chary1, Kirsten Austad1
1Wuqu' Kawoq ∣ Maya Health Alliance, Santiago Sacatepéquez, Guatemala.
Global Health Action
|May 3, 2016
Summary
This study introduces "agile global health," a new approach adapting software development principles for faster, more adaptable, and locally relevant global health programs. It emphasizes integrating research with implementation and involving frontline workers for improved health service delivery.
Area of Science:
- Global Health
- Program Design
- Implementation Science
Background:
- Current global health models often face challenges with slow intervention delivery and limited adaptability to local contexts.
- Practitioners express frustration with research, delivery, and implementation models that are not context-specific.
- Existing frameworks may not adequately integrate research findings into field-level health services.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose an 'agile global health' approach inspired by agile software development.
- To enhance the integration of research and implementation in global health programs.
- To improve the adaptability and responsiveness of global health initiatives to local needs.
Main Methods:
- Adapting agile software development principles for global health program design.
- Emphasizing tight integration between research and implementation phases.
- Incorporating rapid cycles of iterative program improvement based on feedback.
- Involving ground-level health workers and program beneficiaries in the design process.
Main Results:
- Demonstrates the potential of 'agile global health' through fieldwork examples.
- Highlights improved adaptability and responsiveness of programs to local contexts.
- Shows faster cycles of learning and program adjustment.
Conclusions:
- Agile global health offers a promising alternative to traditional models.
- This approach can lead to more effective and contextually appropriate global health interventions.
- Further reflection on limitations and trade-offs is necessary for successful adoption.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
4.2K
At the different levels of the healthcare system, we see varying methods of healthcare used. These methods include managed care systems, case management, and primary healthcare.
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...
4.2K
01:29Issues And Trends In Healthcare Delivery System
6.4K
The issues and trends in healthcare delivery are constantly changing. The COVID-19 pandemic is one recent issue that wreaked havoc on healthcare systems, causing a shortage of healthcare workers, high demand for medicines and supplies, and increased medical expenditure due to a lack of insurance. Other issues include rising healthcare costs and care fragmentation.
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
Cost Containment
Payment for healthcare services has historically promoted adoption of costly and often unnecessary or inefficient...
6.4K
01:30Health Information Technology and Healthcare Information System
3.6K
Health Information Technology (HIT)
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
Health Information Technology, commonly called HIT, integrates advanced information systems and technology in healthcare settings. Its primary functions include:
3.6K
01:28International Nursing Organizations II
1.4K
The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations based in Geneva. The WHO has many initiatives that center around health. Primarily, they lead global efforts to expand universal health coverage using science-based policies and programs. They are also responsible for shaping health research agendas and developing norms and standards.
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
The WHO provides expert team support, including funding, vaccines, testing, and treatment tools at the country level to fight...
1.4K
01:26Principles of Disease Surveillance
766
Disease surveillance is the systematic collection, analysis, and interpretation of health data essential to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of public health practice. This process integrates data dissemination to entities responsible for preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability. Surveillance systems provide crucial information for action, helping public health authorities make informed decisions to manage and prevent outbreaks, ensure public safety, optimize...
766
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
2.6K
Primary care promotes wellness and prevents disease. This care includes health promotion, education, protection (such as immunizations), early disease screening, and environmental considerations. Settings providing this type of healthcare include physician offices, public health clinics, school nursing, and community health nursing.
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
2.6K