Abstract
Background:
Over recent years, there has been a growth of interest in applied research. With the continuing explosion in academically focused peer-reviewed publishing, researchers have been forced to reconsider the relevance of their work and its relationship to key health sector developments.
Contents:
In this article, we consider the nature of applied research—how does it differ from pure research, translational research, action research and/or monitoring and evaluation? We present a case study example drawn from a currently active area of applied research. We consider the fundamental questions that have to be considered by applied researchers: How can they retain methodological rigour?; Does he who pays the piper unduly call the tune?; Is the ‘opportunism’ of applied research compatible with ethical considerations?; Is an academic environment the most appropriate one in which to undertake applied research?
Conclusions:
The need for applied research has never been more pressing; yet executing it has never been more problematic. Notwithstanding the methodological and practical problems encountered, we argue that it plays a vital role in the development of health systems and of health systems researchers.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 590-596 |
Journal | International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation |
Volume | 23 |
Issue number | 12 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 27 Dec 2016 |
Bibliographical note
The full text is currently unavailable on the repository.Keywords
- Applied research
- Community matrons
- Health sector development
- Methodology
- Research methods