In this research, we utilise a multi-method braided approach for a real-world health care intervention in rural India. We first use action research to conceptually underpin the role of self-help groups, disease profiles and appropriate interventions in health care behaviour change and improvement. Action research is then coupled with a non-linear integer-programming-based simulation to determine how health care resources need to be distributed over time, disease type and groups. The action research provides specific research questions and distributional forms needed for the optimisation analysis, while the non-linear integer-programming simulation provides specific recommendations on where and when to distribute resources. External validity of the study is ensured by the adoption of recommendations in the field as part of the action research. Findings from this research have important policy implications. For example, it identifies the value of continuous embedded interventions as opposed to periodic ones and the importance of flexibility in terms of which community groups and disease types to serve over time. This research also provides an important bridge between the operations research, health care in developing nations, organisational theory and humanitarian operations bodies of knowledge. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.