Health services research in radiology: opportunities and imperatives

"Health services research is a field of inquiry that examines the impact of the organization, financing, and management of health care services on the delivery, quality, cost, access to, and outcomes of such services." This organizational definition, from the Association for Health Services Research (AHSR; membership services, personal communication), is a new buzz word in the current era of health care reform. Radiologists will be asked or expected to become active participants in this field. If they do not take part, they will be shut out of important policy making. The process and outcome of this research often determine whether examinations and procedures will be reimbursed in the future and at what level. This article addresses the particular need for trained health service researchers in radiology, opportunities for formal research training, and available sources of funding for health services training and research. It is not intended to be a definitive resource for those wishing to enter this field; rather, it provides a foundation for beginning pursuit of this evolving academic discipline.