Killing healthcare: How attacks against health systems in conflict zones affect patient related outcome measures and healthcare workers

This action research project examines the impact of attacks against healthcare on health systems and patients using quantitative and qualitative field data. Using a theoretical framework on health and international standards that exist to protect healthcare in conflict, I will look to test their viability in the context of a landscape where armed conflict is becoming more urbanised, resulting in entire civilian infrastructures being deliberately by warring parties. The research follows a quasi-experimental design to address the ethical and practical restrictions inherent in conducting research in active conflict zone and also the ethical considerations required when researching vulnerable patient populations in these settings.