Strategies to enhance the use of health systems research for health sector reform

Abstract

In spite of frequent claims to the contrary, there is very little evidence that health systems research actually influences policy-making. Based on a case study from Thailand and a literature review, we develop a stakeholder-oriented model of policy-making. We argue that only if stakeholders' needs are taken into consideration during design and implementation of scientific projects and dissemination of the results, research will have a chance to influence the policy process. From this model, we derive a five-step approach to enhance the use of research by various stakeholders. We then propose institutional arrangements and conditions to make the use of research for policy-making more sustainable.