Convergent analytics and informed decision-making: A retrospective multimethod case study project in Kenya

Abstract Objective The objective of this qualitative, retrospective case study was to explain how and why the Chaguo Letu project was able to successfully make informed strategic decisions on how to implement a Cervical Self Sampling Program (CSSP) in Kenya. Methods This qualitative, inductive, study applied the case study method; a retrospective, explanatory, single bounded case study involving critical reflection on four embedded units of analysis: 1) Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology, 2) Scenario Based Planning (SBP) method, 3) Existential Phenomenology (EP) method, and 4) Convergent Analytics (CA) model. Theory-related analytic generalization provided the foundation for the data analysis approach. Results The PAR methodology was critical to grounding this complex study and provided a new way of interacting and learning. The SBP data collection and analysis tools performed well in conducting perception analysis and trend/uncertainty analysis exercises. Incorporating EP enabled a deeper investigation of the phenomenon of cervical self-sampling and determined which units of significance (i.e., situational or emotional) had a greater influence on CSSP social acceptability. The CA model provided an approach to make sense of data, turn it into meaningful information and facilitate the convergence of tacit, explicit and cultural knowledge, which ultimately enabled informed decision-making for an uncertain future. Conclusions Applying an integrated approach encompassing the PAR methodology, SBP method, EP method and CA model enabled the Chaguo Letu project to make informed strategic choices on how to implement a CSSP in Kenya. Each element of the study design, by itself, could not have achieved this outcome.