Positive Deviance Shines at the Bright Spots Mini-Lab

Qualitative research and evaluation methods are critical in public health practice. However, the public health workforce often has little training in such methods. The Bright Spots Qualitative Mini-Lab at the University of Minnesota–Twin Cities School of Public Health was developed to address this qualitative training gap. Since its inception, the Mini-Lab has evolved to offer training sessions on a diverse range of qualitative research topics such as conducting focus groups, leading community-driven studies, and various specific analysis methods. Sessions are virtual, free, and open to everyone, making qualitative research methods more accessible. Assessments of each session indicate participants are highly satisfied with the trainings and increasing their qualitative methods knowledge. The Mini-Lab serves as an exemplary program to increase the accessibility of qualitative research methods to public health practitioners.