Article type
Abstract
Background
The recent World Health Assembly resolution "Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems" aims to scale up and integrate rehabilitation into health systems as part of universal health coverage (UHC), urging member states to promote high-quality rehabilitation research, including health policy and systems research (HPSR). Therefore, the World Rehabilitation Alliance created a “research workstream” to advocate for the demand and utilization; the widespread generation; and the publication, dissemination, and implementation of (high-quality) HPSR evidence for rehabilitation. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Cochrane Rehabilitation is developing a project on HPSR evidence synthesis in rehabilitation to effectively address real-life challenges in complex healthcare settings.
Objectives
To introduce a framework for categorizing research questions in health policy, systems, and services research in rehabilitation and explore and propose appropriate study designs
Methods
Drawing from existing reports, categorizations of HPSR articles, and discussions by expert groups, a comprehensive framework outlining different types of HPSR questions relevant to rehabilitation is proposed. Each type is accompanied by illustrative examples and corresponding study designs drawn from contemporary rehabilitation literature. Furthermore, applicability, usefulness, and implementation aspects are discussed.
Results
Four types of HPSR questions were distinguished: 1) policy-focused questions, 2) questions centered on healthcare delivery organizations or systems, 3) questions from defined patient or provider perspectives, and 4) inquiries about critical data sources or research methodologies. Appropriate methodologies are provided for each type of research question, eg, controlled interrupted time series analysis, regression discontinuity design, mixed-methods case study, and validation study.
Conclusions
HPSR presents a dynamic field poised to address pressing issues in rehabilitation service delivery and policy formulation. Elucidating research questions and study designs apply to macro, meso, and micro levels, demonstrating the potential of HPSR in shaping policies, improving healthcare delivery, and addressing patient and provider perspectives.
Relevance and importance to patients
This framework provides a roadmap for generating evidence that directly informs policymaking, healthcare delivery, and patient outcomes in rehabilitation. Addressing key research questions and methodologies facilitates the integration of research findings into clinical practice, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation services for patients and providers alike.
The recent World Health Assembly resolution "Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems" aims to scale up and integrate rehabilitation into health systems as part of universal health coverage (UHC), urging member states to promote high-quality rehabilitation research, including health policy and systems research (HPSR). Therefore, the World Rehabilitation Alliance created a “research workstream” to advocate for the demand and utilization; the widespread generation; and the publication, dissemination, and implementation of (high-quality) HPSR evidence for rehabilitation. In collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), Cochrane Rehabilitation is developing a project on HPSR evidence synthesis in rehabilitation to effectively address real-life challenges in complex healthcare settings.
Objectives
To introduce a framework for categorizing research questions in health policy, systems, and services research in rehabilitation and explore and propose appropriate study designs
Methods
Drawing from existing reports, categorizations of HPSR articles, and discussions by expert groups, a comprehensive framework outlining different types of HPSR questions relevant to rehabilitation is proposed. Each type is accompanied by illustrative examples and corresponding study designs drawn from contemporary rehabilitation literature. Furthermore, applicability, usefulness, and implementation aspects are discussed.
Results
Four types of HPSR questions were distinguished: 1) policy-focused questions, 2) questions centered on healthcare delivery organizations or systems, 3) questions from defined patient or provider perspectives, and 4) inquiries about critical data sources or research methodologies. Appropriate methodologies are provided for each type of research question, eg, controlled interrupted time series analysis, regression discontinuity design, mixed-methods case study, and validation study.
Conclusions
HPSR presents a dynamic field poised to address pressing issues in rehabilitation service delivery and policy formulation. Elucidating research questions and study designs apply to macro, meso, and micro levels, demonstrating the potential of HPSR in shaping policies, improving healthcare delivery, and addressing patient and provider perspectives.
Relevance and importance to patients
This framework provides a roadmap for generating evidence that directly informs policymaking, healthcare delivery, and patient outcomes in rehabilitation. Addressing key research questions and methodologies facilitates the integration of research findings into clinical practice, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation services for patients and providers alike.