Published: 13 June 2011
Review of population health research and health services research in Ireland - Volume 2
This review was carried out in the context of the national health strategy, Quality and fairness: A health system for you (DoHC, 2001), which aims to "deliver a healthier population and a world-class health system", and in response to national momentum to make Irish research world class and to use the knowledge generated by that research for economic and social progress.
This review of population health research (PHR) and health services research (HSR) in Ireland was undertaken with four objectives in mind:
- To establish a baseline description of current research capacity and activity in PHR and HSR in Ireland
- To assess the outputs and impacts of current PHR and HSR in Ireland
- To map the strengths and weaknesses in PHR and HSR in Ireland as it is currently configured and identify deficits that will require attention over the coming years
- To provide underpinning evidence for the development of an action plan for capacity and infrastructure development and for rational research investment in PHR and HSR.
Through this review key deficits and weaknesses that are impeding the emergence of an international-quality national system of PHR and HSR have been identified and steps that can be taken to improve the current situation are explored. Arising from this review, and in line with the objectives stated in its strategy, the HRB will develop an implementation plan in spring 2011 setting out its priorities for funding PHR and HSR from now until 2014 and beyond. But, it is hoped that the evidence provided by this review will also contribute to a wider priority setting exercise for health research in Ireland and will assist other stakeholders who have a vital role to play in developing PHR and HSR (research funding providers, research performers, health care professionals and managers, and policy-makers) in developing specific and collaborative actions to ensure that there is organised and sustained support for PHR and HSR similar to other leaders internationally.
VOLUME 1 of this report, contains an analysis of the outcomes of the mapping studies on population health research and health services research in Ireland, and suggested next steps.
VOLUME 2 of this report, contains the outcomes of the mapping studies on population health research and health services research in Ireland.