Using Realist Evaluation to Improve Health Policies for Vulnerable Populations | Ana Manzano (University of Leeds)
FBK-IRVAPP is pleased to invite you to the following seminar: Using Realist Evaluation to Improve Health Policies for Vulnerable Populations.
With the participation of Ana Manzano (University of Leeds)
Abstract
Evaluating complex interdisciplinary public policies requires approaches that transcend traditional methods to uncover how and why interventions work, for whom, and under what circumstances. This talk explores the application of realist evaluation—a theory-driven, mixed-methods evaluation approach—to assess health systems’ responsiveness to vulnerable populations. Using a cross-country comparison of health policies for pregnant women with mental health conditions in two low- and middle-income countries (Vietnam and Ghana) as a case study, it highlights the potential of realist methods in complex public policy evaluation.
The talk will demonstrate how realist mixed-methods helps unravelling the complexities of health system responsiveness through the lens of context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations. It will also illustrate how qualitative and quantitative data were integrated to identify underlying mechanisms and the contextual factors shaping outcomes in both countries. Finally, we will discuss the methodological nuances and the value of the realist approach in evaluating equitable and effective policies for vulnerable populations.
The seminar is held in English.
Guest Speakers
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Ana Manzano - Guest SpeakerUniversity of LeedsDr. Ana Manzano is an associate professor at the University of Leeds (UK) and an expert in public policy evaluation, specialising in theory-driven and realist evaluation methodologies. She has significantly contributed to enhancing realist evaluation practices by writing extensively on data collection techniques, including realist interviews and focus groups, and contributing to the RAMESES II reporting and quality standards as a co-investigator. Dr. Manzano has worked on large realist evaluation studies in Africa, Asia, and Europe, bringing a global perspective to her knowledge. She is the co-author of the recently published book Realist Evaluation Principles and Practice (Manzano and Williams, 2024) and serves as an associate editor for the journal Evaluation & Program Planning.
Registration
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