Biomedical and health services research in Canada: a review

Using published evidence of research grants, the historical development of funding sources for biomedical and health services research in Canada is discussed. The imbalance between health services research, which includes health services administration and biomedical research, is examined. It is argued that the current funding arrangement should be restructured to accommodate field-based, application research through an independent agency. Needs-focused and integrated research activities that are policy relevant and which involve practitioners are required if current limitations in the system are to be addressed. Thus, health administration as a discipline will receive the necessary technological assistance needed to improve management practices.