Observational methods and health innovation

How we approach this area

Some research questions require forms of observation that go beyond the traditional interview. In this area, we work with methods that broaden what we can observe: linking databases, studying everyday interactions and using computational methods when they add relevant information.

Two fronts concentrate our effort. The first is linkage: connecting longitudinal data to administrative records, with governance and security. The second is first-person observation, with wearable cameras, to study family interactions in everyday settings from the perspective of those taking part.

Here, method is not a technical matter separate from everything else. It defines which questions the group can ask.