Applied research as a problem-solving tool: strengthening the interface between health management and research

If applied research is to serve as a tool for solving health care delivery problems in developing countries, researchers and managers must work more closely together. At present, research efforts are often directed toward issues and problems of marginal interest to health managers, and research focused on problems important for health delivery often does not capture the attention of those who could most profitably use its results. This paper examines some reasons for the lack of utilization of research and discusses strategies such as training to promote use of applied research for problem solving, orienting decision makers to applied research, and strengthening the use of research in health services management, with examples drawing on the experience of organizations involved in the development of applied research programs.