Table 3 SWOT analysis of the study methods

Strengths

Weaknesses

 • Deductive approach with a foundation of inductive approach to field inquiry.

 • Accurate measurement of time and better management of observation data by use of software based data collection tools.

 • Variations across settings (tribal, non-tribal) and cadres studied.

 • GPS enabled android-based app led to recording accurate movement in the field

 • Stringent field based monitoring and supportive supervision

 • A multi-disciplinary team of experts for technical guidance

 • Observing inter-departmental convergence

 • Hawthorne effect

 • Inter-observer bias, due to big team of observers

 • Only male observers in the team, however no discomfort expressed by participants who were largely females.

 • Home to home follow up by a male was uncomfortable for few female workers because of social or cultural reasons

 • Malfunctioning of few tablets initially (two to three times in the first district).

Opportunities

Threats

 • To capture best practices from the field to develop model work plan for FLHWs.

 • To identify policy implications and interventions for redefining job responsibilities of FLHWs.

 • Voicing the concerns of the lowest cadre that are unheard.

 • Any punitive action against FLHWs, and ASHAs if the findings were not acceptable to higher administration. Although anonymity was maintained during reporting.