Use of Theories in Health Services Research

Abstract

A scientific theory is a set of ideas that coherently describes selected phenomena in the world. Theories in health services research align with empirical research data and aim at providing interpretations and explanations of findings. Theory can be practically used in research to formulate research questions, derive measures, develop interventions and predict their outcomes. The use of theories also helps to make assumptions of a study explicit. In health services research, the explicit use of theory in studies is recommended but not common practice. Different types of theory can be described in terms of scope, aggregation level, aims, format, content and empirical basis. Given the interdisciplinary character and scope of health services research, considering a range of theories is often a fruitful approach.