What is a discovery method?

A discovery method is defined as a systematic and organized
activity to assess, review, evaluate or otherwise analyze a process, program, operation,
provider or outcome. The end product of a good discovery method is reliable data that
provides “evidence” to support a conclusion or action either at the individual or system
level. In order to produce systematic and reliable data, certain core features should be
present in a discovery method. These include:
• protocols for data collection
• qualified reviewers/interviewers
• sampling methods that allow conclusions
• standard data collection instruments
• reliable and accurate data
• ability to aggregate, analyze and report data