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Majdzadeh R, Sajadi HS, Yazdizadeh B, Doshmangir L, Ehsani-Chimeh E, Mahdavi M, Mehrdad N, Lavis J, Nikooee S, Mohtasham F, Mohseni M, Akbari P, Asgardoon MH, Rezaei N, Neyazi N, Ghaffarifar S, Haghdoost AA, Khodayari-Zarnaq R, Mosadeghrad AM, Pourabbasi A, Rafinejad J, Toyserkanamanesh R. Policy options for strengthening evidence-informed health policy-making in Iran: overall SASHA project findings. Health Res Policy Syst 2022; 20:10. [PMID: 35033096 PMCID: PMC8760808 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-021-00803-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The institutionalization of evidence-informed health policy-making (EIHP) is complex and complicated. It is complex because it has many players and is complicated because its institutionalization will require many changes that will be challenging to make. Like many other issues, strengthening EIHP needs a road map, which should consider challenges and address them through effective, harmonized and contextualized strategies. This study aims to develop a road map for enhancing EIHP in Iran based on steps of planning. Methods This study consisted of three phases: (1) identifying barriers to EIHP, (2) recognizing interventions and (3) measuring the use of evidence in Iran's health policy-making. A set of activities was established for conducting these, including foresight, systematic review and policy dialogue, to identify the current and potential barriers for the first phase. For the second phase, an evidence synthesis was performed through a scoping review, by searching the websites of benchmark institutions which had good examples of EIHP practices in order to extract and identify interventions, and through eight policy dialogues and two broad opinion polls to contextualize the list of interventions. Simultaneously, two qualitative-quantitative studies were conducted to design and use a tool for assessing EIHP in the third phase. Results We identified 97 barriers to EIHP and categorized them into three groups, including 35 barriers on the “generation of evidence” (push side), 41 on the “use of evidence” (pull side) and 21 on the “interaction between these two” (exchange side). The list of 41 interventions identified through evidence synthesis and eight policy dialogues was reduced to 32 interventions after two expert opinion polling rounds. These interventions were classified into four main strategies for strengthening (1) the education and training system (6 interventions), (2) the incentives programmes (7 interventions), (3) the structure of policy support organizations (4 interventions) and (4) the enabling processes to support EIHP (15 interventions). Conclusion The policy options developed in the study provide a comprehensive framework to chart a path for strengthening the country’s EIHP considering both global practices and the context of Iran. It is recommended that operational plans be prepared for road map interventions, and the necessary resources provided for their implementation. The implementation of the road map will require attention to the principles of good governance, with a focus on transparency and accountability. Video abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12961-021-00803-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Majdzadeh
- Community Based Participatory Research Center, Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Haniye Sadat Sajadi
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, University Research and Development Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bahareh Yazdizadeh
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Doshmangir
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Ehsani-Chimeh
- National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Mahdavi
- National Institute of Health Research, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Mehrdad
- Nursing Care Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - John Lavis
- McMaster Health Forum and Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada.,Africa Centre for Evidence, University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Sima Nikooee
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Mohtasham
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Mohseni
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Paria Akbari
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Niloofar Rezaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Narges Neyazi
- International Campus, School of Public Health, Health Economics and Management Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Trusted Organization for Research and Development, Kabul, Afghanistan
| | - Saeideh Ghaffarifar
- Medical Education Research Center, Health Management and Safety Promotion Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Haghdoost
- HIV/STI Surveillance Research Center and WHO Collaborating Center for HIV Surveillance, Institute for Future Studies in Health, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Rahim Khodayari-Zarnaq
- Department of Health Policy and Management, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Mohammad Mosadeghrad
- School of Public Health, Health Information Management Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ata Pourabbasi
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Rafinejad
- Department of Medical Entomology and Vector Control, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Toyserkanamanesh
- Department of Treatment and Social Support, IRAN Drug Control Headquarter, Tehran, Iran
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Morciano C, Errico MC, Faralli C, Minghetti L. An analysis of the strategic plan development processes of major public organisations funding health research in nine high-income countries worldwide. Health Res Policy Syst 2020; 18:106. [PMID: 32948215 PMCID: PMC7501611 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-020-00620-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There have been claims that health research is not satisfactorily addressing healthcare challenges. A specific area of concern is the adequacy of the mechanisms used to plan investments in health research. However, the way organisations within countries devise research agendas has not been systematically reviewed. This study seeks to understand the legal basis, the actors and the processes involved in setting research agendas in major public health research funding organisations. Methods We reviewed information relating to the formulation of strategic plans by 11 public funders in nine high-income countries worldwide. Information was collected from official websites and strategic plan documents in English, French, Italian and Spanish between January 2019 and December 2019, by means of a conceptual framework and information abstraction form. Results We found that the formulation of a strategic plan is a common and well-established practice in shaping research agendas across international settings. Most of the organisations studied are legally required to present a multi-year strategic plan. In some cases, legal provisions may set rules for actors and processes and may establish areas of research and/or types of research to be funded. Commonly, the decision-making process involves both internal and external stakeholders, with the latter being generally government officials and experts, and few examples of the participation of civil society. The process also varies across organisations depending on whether there is a formal requirement to align to strategic priorities developed by an overarching entity at national level. We also found that, while actors and their interactions were traceable, information, sources of information, criteria and the mechanisms/tools used to shape decisions were made less explicit. Conclusions A complex picture emerges in which multiple interactive entities appear to shape research plans. Given the complexity of the influences of different parties and factors, the governance of the health research sector would benefit from a traceable and standardised knowledge-based process of health research strategic planning. This would provide an opportunity to demonstrate responsible budget stewardship and, more importantly, to make efforts to remain responsive to healthcare challenges, research gaps and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Morciano
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Maria Cristina Errico
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Faralli
- National Centre for Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Minghetti
- Research Coordination and Support Service, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena, 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
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Falahat K, Baradaran Eftekhari M, Ebadifar A, Eltemasi M, Sobhani Z, Ghalenoee E, Habibi E. Knowledge production in Iranian social determinants of health research centers: Toward health equity. Med J Islam Repub Iran 2020; 34:58. [PMID: 32934947 PMCID: PMC7481857 DOI: 10.34171/mjiri.34.58] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: As the partner country of the WHO Commission on Social Determinants of Health (SDH), Iran has expanded the knowledge based on the social determinants of health- as one of commission recommendations- by establishing SDH research centers to collect evidence and design responses to the existing health equity gap. Considering the importance of the role assigned to these research centers, this study aimed to present the knowledge production of SDH research centers and determine their status in Iran's health research system (HRS). Methods: In this cross sectional study, research performance of SDH research centers was assessed based on international research indicators and compared with national medical research centers and HRS knowledge production. Then, SDH research centers were scored and ranked based on the research indicators. Results: Out of 37 approved SDH research centers, the knowledge performance of 33 research centers was reviewed. The total number of academic members was 334. The number of these centers' indexed published articles and the proportion of published articles per academic member have been doubled from 483 and 1.44 in 2015 to 984 and 2.94 in 2017. In this period, the number of citations of the past 5-year publications was 4355 according to Scopus database. The proportions of these centers' high-quality publication (Q1) and international collaborations per published articles were 14.8 and 8.25. In ranking, the first to third ranks were occupied by SDH research centers of Kermanshah, Kurdistan, and Qazvin Universities of Medical Sciences. Conclusion: Although knowledge production seems desirable in mentioned research centers, it is essential to create a virtual research network to increase intersectoral collaboration and develop strategies to solve the puzzle of gathering evidence on the social determinants affecting health inequities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katayoun Falahat
- Deputy for Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Asghar Ebadifar
- Deputy for Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
- Dentofacial Deformities Research Center, Research Institute of Dental Sciences, Department of Orthodontics, Dental School, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Eltemasi
- Deputy for Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sobhani
- Deputy for Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Ghalenoee
- Deputy for Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Habibi
- Deputy for Research and Technology, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Tehran, Iran
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AlKhaldi M, Alkaiyat A, Abed Y, Pfeiffer C, Halaseh R, Salah R, Idries M, Abueida S, Idries I, Jeries I, Meghari H, Shaar A, Tanner M, Haj-Yahia S. The Palestinian health research system: who orchestrates the system, how and based on what? A qualitative assessment. Health Res Policy Syst 2018; 16:69. [PMID: 30064510 PMCID: PMC6069718 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-018-0347-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2011, the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region committee launched a strategy for scaling up research in the region to address the countries' health needs through formulating and analysing the National Health Research System (HRS). Stewardship comprises three functions, namely governance, policy and priorities, and is a central pillar of this system to ensure a well-organised and functioning HRS. This study aims to examine the perceptions of the HRS performers to understand these functions and to generate insights for system strengthening. METHODS The study was carried out in Palestine, targetting three sectors in the health field, including relevant governmental health institutions, schools of public health, and major local and international health agencies. The data were collected through 52 in-depth interviews (IDIs) and 6 focus group discussions (FGDs) with policy-makers, academics, directors, and experts. Participants and institutions were selected purposively based on a set of criteria and peer review. RESULTS A total of 104 experts participated in the IDIs (52 participants) and FGDs (52 participants in 6 FGDs), highlighting that stewardship functions remain problematic and insufficiently performed, mainly due to a missing health research structural and regulatory framework and dispersed health research work. Despite the limited good practices, the majority of the participants described the Ethical Review and Clearance as weak due to the lack of an agreed-upon national committee and procedural quality and ethics guidelines for non-compliance. A policy or strategy dedicated to health research is lacking. The exercises of research priority-setting appear to be evolving despite the lack of consensus and the low levels of knowledge and experience in research prioritisation. Common gaps, such as weak political will and capacity support, the absence of a national unified regulating body, and the indirect effects of political conditions on strengthening the HRS as well as other sectors, also emerged. CONCLUSIONS The stewardship functions of the Palestinian HRS remain weak along with substantial political, structural, and resources and capacity gaps. The study emphasises the imperative need to initiate strategic efforts led by the MOH and the Palestinian National Institute of Public Health alongside with other players to strengthen a national HRS through improving the stewardship functions. To achieve this, attention and support of decision-makers, involvement, mobilisation and strategic dialogue are indispensable, in order to embark on building a well-regulated and coordinated structure, operational research policy, and prioritisation of essential research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed AlKhaldi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland. .,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Abdulsalam Alkaiyat
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Yehia Abed
- Faculty of Public Health, Al Quds University, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Constanze Pfeiffer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rana Halaseh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ruba Salah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Manar Idries
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Said Abueida
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ibrahim Idries
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Ibrahim Jeries
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Hamza Meghari
- University College London UCL, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Shaar
- United Nations Population Fund, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Saleem Haj-Yahia
- Cardiovascular Institute, Glasgow University, Glasgow, United Kingdom.,Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.,School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol University, Bristol, United Kingdom
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AlKhaldi M, Abed Y, Pfeiffer C, Haj-Yahia S, Alkaiyat A, Tanner M. Understanding the concept and importance of the health research system in Palestine: a qualitative study. Health Res Policy Syst 2018; 16:49. [PMID: 29914533 PMCID: PMC6007061 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-018-0315-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The importance of a health research system (HRS), namely an instrument for developing and enabling health systems, is increasing, particularly in developing countries. Assessing the perceptions of system performers is a necessary part of system analysis, which seeks to recognize a system’s strengths and limitations aiming towards improvement. This study assesses the perceptions of policy-makers, academicians and experts regarding the HRS concept and its importance to generate insights for system strengthening. In Palestine, HRS is just emerging, helping to address the many public health-related challenges faced by the country. Methods The study was implemented from January until July 2016, targeting three sectors, namely relevant government institutions, schools of public health, and major local and international health agencies. Data was collected through 52 in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions (FGDs) with policy-makers, academics, directors and experts. Participants and institutions were selected based on stated criteria and peer review. Data were translated, transcribed, checked and then imported to a software program (MAXQDA 12) for thematic and content analysis. Results A total of 104 experts participated, wherein 52 were interviewed and 52 participated in the six FGDs. The HRS concept, as defined by WHO, was conceptualized differently among participants with unclear delineations between various components. Inconsistencies appeared when participants attempted to conceptualize HRS in broader contexts, though HRS goals and functions were sufficiently delineated. The majority of participants agreed that HRS correlates with notions of ‘improvement’ and recognized HRS ‘as a significant gain’. Neglect of HRS was perceived as a big loss. Conclusions The study revealed that the level of understanding of HRS among health experts in Palestine is inadequate and not sufficiently conceptualized for its application. Findings also underlined the need to establish a central governance coordination body that promotes HRS understanding, awareness and culture as an enabler for HRS strengthening. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12961-018-0315-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed AlKhaldi
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland. .,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland. .,Najah National University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Yehia Abed
- Al-Quds University, Faculty of Public Health, Jerusalem, Palestine
| | - Constanze Pfeiffer
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Saleem Haj-Yahia
- University Teaching Hospital, Najah National University, Nablus, Palestine.,Najah National University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nablus, Palestine.,Bristol University, School of Clinical Sciences, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Abdulsalam Alkaiyat
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland.,Najah National University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Marcel Tanner
- Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Socinstr. 57, 4002, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Petersplatz 1, 4003, Basel, Switzerland
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Kok MO, Gyapong JO, Wolffers I, Ofori-Adjei D, Ruitenberg EJ. Towards fair and effective North-South collaboration: realising a programme for demand-driven and locally led research. Health Res Policy Syst 2017; 15:96. [PMID: 29132436 PMCID: PMC5683379 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-017-0251-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At the turn of the 90s, studies showed that health research contributed little to health and development in low- and middle-income countries because it was oriented towards international priorities and dominated by researchers from the North. A new approach to North-South collaboration was required that would support demand-driven and locally led research in the South. The aim of this study was to analyse the development and functioning of a programme for demand-driven and locally led research in Ghana that was supported by a North-South collaboration. METHODS For this mixed-method case study, we combined document analysis, key informant interviews and observation of programme events. RESULTS The development of the research programme started with constructing a sponsorship constellation in the Netherlands. After highlighting the problems with traditional research collaboration, an advisory council formulated a vision for a more equal and effective approach to North-South collaboration. Together with Ghanaian partners, this vision was turned into a proposal for a Ghanaian-led programme for demand-driven and locally led research, which was funded by the Netherlands government. Research priority setting showed that the Ghanaian research needs were very different from the priorities of foreign funders and researchers. After a slow start, the number of locally submitted proposals increased from 13 in 2001 to 94 in 2005, revealing the existence of a substantial, but partly latent reservoir of research capacity. In total, 79 studies were funded. An impact evaluation showed that the results of the majority of the studies were used to contribute to action. Despite its success, the research programme came to an end in 2008 after the sponsorship constellation in the Netherlands fell apart. CONCLUSION Our study shows that realising a programme for demand-driven and locally led research in the South provides an effective approach to North-South collaboration in which results are used and local capacities and institutions are strengthened.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maarten Olivier Kok
- Institute of Health Policy and Management, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Burgemeester Oudlaan 50, 3062 PA Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Public Health, VU University Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - John Owusu Gyapong
- Institute of Health Research, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Ivan Wolffers
- Department of Health Care and Culture, VU University Medical Centre Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David Ofori-Adjei
- Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana
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Yazdizadeh B, Majdzadeh R, Janani L, Mohtasham F, Nikooee S, Mousavi A, Najafi F, Atabakzadeh M, Bazrafshan A, Zare M, Karami M. An assessment of health research impact in Iran. Health Res Policy Syst 2016; 14:56. [PMID: 27461105 PMCID: PMC4962356 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-016-0129-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2016] [Accepted: 06/30/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In recent years, Iran has made significant developments in the field of health sciences. However, the question is whether this considerable increase has affected public health. The research budget has always been negligible and unsustainable in developing countries. Hence, using the Payback Framework, we conducted this study to evaluate the impact of health research in Iran. Methods By using a cross-sectional method and two-stage stratified cluster sampling, the projects were randomly selected from six medical universities. A questionnaire was designed according to the Payback Framework and completed by the principle investigators of the randomly selected projects. Results The response rate was 70.4%. Ten point twenty-four percent (10.24%) of the studies had been ordered by a knowledge user organization. The average number of articles published in journals per project was 0.96, and half of the studies had no articles published in Scopus. The results of 12% of the studies had been used in systematic review articles and the same proportion had been utilized in clinical or public health guidelines. The results of 5.3% of the studies had been implemented in the Health Ministry’s policymaking. 62% of the studies were expected to affect health directly, 38% of them had been implemented, and among the latter 60% had achieved the expected results. Concerning the economic impacts, the most common expected impact was the reduction of ‘days of work missed because of illness or disability’ and impact on personal and health system costs. About 36% of these studies had been implemented, and 61% had achieved the expected impact. Conclusion In most aspects, the status of research impact needs improvement. A comparison of Iran’s ranking of knowledge creation and knowledge impact in the Global Innovation Index confirms these findings. The most important problems identified were, not conducting research based on national needs, and the lack of implementation of research results. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12961-016-0129-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Yazdizadeh
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Reza Majdzadeh
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Janani
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farideh Mohtasham
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sima Nikooee
- Knowledge Utilization Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdmohammad Mousavi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Farid Najafi
- Research Center for Environmental Determinants of Health, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | | | - Azam Bazrafshan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Morteza Zare
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Manoochehr Karami
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center and Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran
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