Part II Collecting and analysing data As noted at the start of this chapter, collecting primary data can be time intensive and resource intensive. As such, it may not be feasible for your NHRI to do all, or even much, of this work. That said, a number of the techniques outlined in this chapter are techniques that NHRIs use regularly in their day-to-day work; for example, key informant interviews, direct observation and focus group discussions. In some cases, it may involve doing what you are already doing but incorporating a more methodical approach, which provides standardized information that is easier to analyse. UPDATE FROM AHN Ahn has collected a large amount of secondary data but she would like to find out specific information about exactly what services are available in health facilities in rural areas, where many indigenous women live. She also hasn’t been able to find any secondary data on the reasons why indigenous women do not seek care or about their autonomy in health decisions. She holds focus group discussions in three different communities, co-organized with indigenous women’s groups. Many women complain about the quality of care at the municipal hospital, which is often out of basic equipment. She also learns that women delivering a baby must bring their own gloves, bleach and even razor blades to cut the umbilical cord, or else pay health workers for them (at an inflated cost). Patients who require an ambulance must pay for its fuel, which is too costly for many. On the basis of this information, Ahn decides to visit the municipal hospital, as well as a number of smaller clinics in the area. She documents the number of beds they have, the number of nurses and doctors, what medicines and equipment they have in stock, the fees they charge and so on. She also conducts a number of key informant interviews with health workers and administrators, who complain that their facilities are chronically underfunded. Chapter 7: Collecting primary data | 81