Child Health Implementation Science Research and Evaluation Support (CHIMES) Unit
The Child Health Implementation Science Research and Evaluation Support (CHIMES) Unit provides scientific consulting services to Ministries of Health and local implementers in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), serving as scientific partners to advance child health. We specialize in supporting locally driven implementation research that aims to improve the design, implementation, and scale-up of effective interventions focused on child health. Based within the Department of Global Health at the University of Washington, CHIMES has access to a network of implementation science and child health experts to provide consultative support across topic areas. We offer scientific partnership at all stages of implementation (early, mid, and late implementation), to enhance the likelihood that evidence-based practices are embedded into health systems.
Our Mission
To ensure that every child benefits from essential health interventions by engaging with partners who deliver child health services in LMICs and supporting their efforts to leverage implementation science to bridge the gap between research and real-world practice.
Services Offered and Examples
Our team within the Department of Global Health’s Implementation Science Program (ISP) and the Global Center for the Integrated Health of Women, Adolescents, and Children (Global WACh) offers a variety of services at all stages of implementation, including consultation on:
Strategic Planning- Support embedment of implementation research within a health system
- Refine implementation research questions
A department wants to expand program assessments to include implementation-oriented impact evaluations. CHIMES can be a thought partner throughout the process. We offer tailored support as you identify staff training needs, refine research questions, and implement the change.
Evaluation Design- Design program evaluations that integrate implementation theories, models, and frameworks
- Design data collection tools that leverage validated measures and indicators
A program is planning a nationwide malaria vaccination rollout and wants to identify factors that facilitate or hinder high coverage. CHIMES can support the development of an evaluation protocol, encompassing analysis of routine coverage data and qualitative interviews, to provide actionable insights for improvement.
Data Analysis- Design of statistical or qualitative analysis plans
- Co-analysis of data: data cleaning, data management, execution of analysis plan
A nutrition program wants to utilize program data to improve quality of care for malnourished children. CHIMES can work with your team to develop an interrupted time series analysis to show the impact of stock-outs and supervision. Your team will gain resources needed to repeat the analysis in the future.
Dissemination- Support preparation of manuscripts, presentations, or other materials
- Translate findings to policy briefs to support sustainability of activities
Your team has successfully introduced oxygen saturation monitoring in hospitalized children with pneumonia. CHIMES can help you to develop presentations for policymakers and other audiences; sharing your success and making the case for sustained funding of the program.
Engage with us
Interested in learning how we can support your implementation and evaluation efforts? Complete our Consultation Request Form to get started. We will work together to develop a scope of work that meets your objectives, timelines, and desired deliverables.
For general inquiries, please email us at chimes-unit@uw.edu