In September 2022, the Public Health Institute of Malawi granted the INSPIRE PEACH project access to national COVID-19-line list data. The project aimed to harmonize population health data across diverse entities and was led locally by Dr Amelia Taylor of the Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (MUBAS). However, upon accessing the data, several discrepancies were discovered. Dr Amelia and I discussed the gaps in detail and in consultation with PHIM, developed qualitative research questions to investigate the COVID-19 data collection processes and reasons for discrepancies at District Health Offices (DHO). After conceptualizing and documenting the research project, we decided to undertake the research in Lilongwe, which reported the second-highest number of COVID-19 cases in the country.

On May 1st, 2023, we presented the project to the Lilongwe district Health Office Research Committee, who granted a letter of approval the following day. We contacted participants and conducted a total of 4 FGDs the following week, grouping participants according to their cadres of clinicians, Environmental Health Officers, Health Surveillance Assistants, and Laboratory Technicians. Dr Amelia Taylor conducted the one-on-one interviews involving the clinical lead and Laboratory lead for the COVID-19 response and the District Environmental Health Officer.

Two experienced research assistants facilitated the Focus group discussions, and participants were provided with snacks, refreshments, and transport reimbursement. The data collection process for the FGDs and interviews was finalized within two weeks, and the data collected was well stored and secured on the project's laptop. The health workers were pleased with the FGDs and felt it was a rare opportunity to share their experiences and provide their opinions.

After completing the data collection process, we assigned one of the research assistants to transcribe the recordings. The transcripts were made available for thematic data analysis within two weeks.