To obtain the answers to these questions, a simplified RAP methodology is presented. First, the custom, or what the health care providers already know about people's knowledge and behaviours by virtue of being members of the community, is discussed, pointing out advantages and disadvantages of that knowledge. Techniques for qualitative data gathering, such as observations, interviews, and group discussions, are also presented in a simplified form. Emphasis is placed on the need for a written summary of the answers for each of the relevant questions. Since health care promoters in distant communities are usually not able to write well, however, it is recommended that they give oral presentations of their findings to the health team and that the answers be recorded when possible.
Teamwork is encouraged throughout the field guide.
Since it is not always easy to classify a given practice, team discussion is again recommended. Health education should be focused on changing inappropriate knowledge and harmful practices. The method recommended is through group meetings and trials to enable discussion and analysis of the feasibility of changing a certain practice. Also, the use of games, songs, other folk media, and role playing is suggested as well as the use of all communication channels identified in the community. Communities often see other problems as more urgent than health problems per se.