In both rounds of data collection, notes in Marathi and Telugu were translated into English.
The qualitative part of the study concerning the data collection, note-taking, coding, and memoing was very close to the grounded theory model as described by Glaser [ 16], which is also described in a more comprehensive form by Dick [ 12].
Interviews were complemented by researchers' field notes describing experiences during data collection and noting down early findings, as well as observational and documentary data from hospitals, national documents, meetings with governmental stakeholders, and conferences.
Paired interviewed was adapted during the data collection after noting that some of the PWD had difficulties in expressing themselves or remembering things.
Such questions point to the need for further research but also improved routine data collection as noted elsewhere [ 5].
As part of retrospective data collection, physicians noted which medications considered to be relevant for patient care were prescribed during the 6 months before baseline, along with tests and procedures that were performed.
Specifically, four different Research Ethics Board certificates were obtained at UBC to cover the various data collection exercises noted above; two were obtained at UFS (the first set of activities occurred before UBC engaged UFS as partners; and a separate ethics approval process was obtained for the various workplace field studies conducted by the trainees in the research and training program).
It is important to note while broad data collection from referral notes, consultations, observational notes and questionnaires offer an overview of services, they cannot provide the impressions of parents and children, and of those working within and referring into this service.
Additional file 1: Appendix 1 shows a short section of field notes to illustrate the data collection format (please note that it has been edited to remove all identifiable, and commercially sensitive information).
Data collection: Case notes were reviewed and the following details were recorded in a predesigned data collection sheet: demographic profile, admission diagnosis, APACHE II score, antibiotics, co-morbidities, survival and length of stay.
