Kick-off meeting in Kampala
On August 20-21, key members of the study team met for an inception workshop in Kampala. It was the first time for all team members to meet physically. The workshop had three aims. One, for all team members to meet and get to know each other. Two, for us to discuss our different roles and responsibilities within the project. Three, to make some decisions, but mostly to start essential conversations about how we move the project forward.
Day 1 was packed with presentations by researchers from the four sub-studies that make up the CONTINUITY project. They presented their study protocols with the aim of instigating discussion and reflection on challenges ahead and decisions to be made. The presentations raised a number of important questions, and the discussions helped us place our skills and strengths within the project.
On day 2 we discussed a range of different and difficult questions and made plans for the next step. We discussed the study sites and ways of recruiting participants and peer researcher. We also discussed opportunities and challenges of operationalizing concepts that are key to project, such as mobility, community, and continuity of care.
It was a successful meeting, and everyone left feeling energized and motivated to quickly get the project off the ground.