What is HSR?
Health Services Research is the study of the funding, organisation and delivery of health services and involves multidisciplinary perspectives. Outcomes are usually at the population level rather than the individual – this approach contrasts with clinical research which emphasises outcomes for individuals. The aim is to provide evidence to influence policy at all levels, in order to improve the health of the public. Health services research is not a scientific discipline of its own, but draws on and uses a wide range of methods from several disciplines, particularly economics, epidemiology, statistics and psychology. It also requires input from and an understanding of biology, medicine, nursing, and other clinical areas. Health services research seeks to answer questions like:
- What kind of health care should we have?
- How should services be provided?
- How should services be funded?
- Who should receive health care services?
Case Studies
About the Association
The HSRAANZ supports and promotes the conduct and dissemination of applied research to improve the delivery and organisation of health services in Australia and New Zealand. The Association was founded in 2001 to facilitate communication across the health services research community, to bridge the gap between researchers and policymakers, to promote education and training, and to ensure sustainable capacity in health services research in Australia and New Zealand.
