Health services research: what is it?

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Public Health Policy
• Socioeconomic Determinants of Health

Background:

• The article examines the dominant paradigms in health services research (HSR) within the United States and the broader Anglo-Saxon context.
• It uses the Pan American Health Organization's (PAHO) anthology, "Health Services Research: An Anthology," as a reference point for foundational HSR literature.

Purpose of the Study:

• To critically review the prevailing understanding and scope of health services research.
• To identify limitations in the current focus and perspectives within HSR literature.
• To advocate for a more comprehensive approach to HSR.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and critical analysis of hegemonic health services research.
• Examination of the content and perspectives within the PAHO anthology on HSR.
• Critique of the predominant focus on medical care in existing HSR.

Main Results:

• Health services research in the US and Anglo-Saxon countries is characterized by a narrow focus, primarily on medical care.
• The existing literature presents a limited spectrum of viewpoints, often overlooking critical socioeconomic and political factors.
• There is a significant gap in addressing the broader determinants influencing health and healthcare systems.

Conclusions:

• The current approach to health services research is insufficient due to its narrow scope and limited perspectives.
• There is an urgent need to incorporate analyses of socioeconomic and political forces that shape health and healthcare services.
• Future HSR must adopt a more holistic and critical lens to effectively address societal health challenges.