Framework development of the social impact of medical research utilization: Fuzzy Delphi approach

Medical research plays an important role in increasing and improving the health of society. Utilizing the results of research will enable the provision of both material and spiritual support for research centres. It is essential to establish mechanisms for effective communication between researchers and officials. It is of great importance to pay attention to tools that facilitate the process of conducting this research. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to develop the framework of the social impact of medical research utilization (SIMRU).

The study is applied in purpose and qualitative in analysis, utilizing a fuzzy Delphi approach with a panel of 25 experts. A purposeful and snowball sampling method was employed. The questionnaire consisted of two rounds of Delphi assessments, divided into three sections: Demographics, Core Variables (measured on a 5-point Likert scale) and Open-Ended Responses. It was developed using a meta-synthesis approach and expert consultations, incorporating feedback for clarity. A pilot test with 13 participants confirmed the reliability (Cronbach's alpha: 0.987 and 0.974) and content validity through expert reviews.

From the initial set of 147 basic themes identified during the meta-synthesis, the conceptual framework of the social impact of medical research utilization - comprising 6 contextual themes, 11 global themes, 20 organizing themes and 103 basic themes - represents the layers of the social impact of medical research utilization and was approved by experts. These contextual themes include knowledge governance and research, knowledge production and exchange, knowledge dissemination and transfer, knowledge mobilization, knowledge popularization and knowledge utilization.

The results of this research support policy-makers in higher education by improving research management and policy-making processes through consideration of the social impact of research and by informing the development of necessary strategies to enhance community health. Additionally, these finding can help universities and research centres measure research activities and knowledge popularization dissemination more effectively while strengthening the connection between researchers and their target audiences. This research fills a significant gap by introducing social impact indicators and science promotion in medical research for the first time, demonstrating innovation in both the chosen topic and research methodology.