Mapping Chilean clinical research: a protocol for a scoping review and multiple evidence gap maps

Area of Science:

• Health Research Policy
• Clinical Research Prioritization
• Evidence Synthesis

Background:

• Clinical research drives healthcare decision-making and requires strategic funding.
• Chile lacks a current assessment of its clinical research landscape to inform funding priorities.
• Identifying research gaps is crucial for efficient resource allocation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To comprehensively identify and classify Chilean health research from 2000 onwards.
• To create evidence gap maps for Chile's 20 most burdensome conditions.
• To inform future research funding by highlighting knowledge gaps and redundant research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic searches of multiple electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, etc.) and hand searches.
• Classification of studies and elaboration of evidence matrices for high-burden conditions.
• Development of evidence gap maps by comparing local research with international evidence using the GRADE approach.

Main Results:

• The study will provide a detailed overview of Chilean health research output.
• Evidence gap maps will visually represent areas of insufficient or redundant research.
• Identification of specific knowledge gaps for prioritized interventions and core outcomes.

Conclusions:

• This research will offer crucial data for Chilean policymakers and funding agencies.
• It will guide the strategic prioritization of future health research investments.
• The findings aim to optimize research efforts and improve healthcare outcomes in Chile.