Foundations of Health Services Research Principles, Methods, and Topics

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to health services research. Health services research uses empirical studies to address challenges in the delivery and organization of health care. The book focuses on healthcare delivery (micro-level), which is embedded in institutions such as hospitals (meso-level) and healthcare systems (macro-level). The quality of the research approach determines the value of health services research to a large extent. The book, therefore, puts emphasis on research principles and research methods.

 The book provides an evidence-informed perspective on principles, methods and topics of health services research and uses examples of studies throughout the text. The 24 chapters are organised in four sections:

• Introduction to Health Services Research
• Principles of Health Services Research
• Research Methods in Health Services Research
• Emerging Topics in Health Services Research

Foundations of Health Services Research: Principles, Methods, and Topics gives an overview of tools and strategies for learning and teaching at master and doctoral levels. It also is a useful resource for health researchers in clinical science and public health. Policy-makers and healthcare managers might also find the book helpful for their work.

Part 1: Introduction to Health Services Research.- Chapter 1. Description of Health Services Research.- Chapter 2. Fields of Health Services Research.- Part 2: Principles of Health Services Research.- Chapter 3. Use of Theories in Health Services Research.- Chapter 4. Scientific Integrity in Health Services Research.- Chapter 5. Presentation of Quantitative Research Findings.- Chapter 6. Dissemination and Utilisation of Research Findings.- Part 3: Research Methods in Health Services Research.- Chapter 7. Qualitative Methods in Health Services Research.- Chapter 8. Survey Methods in Health Services Research.- Chapter 9. Use of Electronic Patient Records for Health Services Research.- Chapter 10. Social Network Analyses in Health Services Research.- Chapter 11. Development and Validation of Questionnaires in Health Services Research.- Chapter 12. Development of Interventions.- Chapter 13. Process Evaluation in Health Services Research.- Chapter 14. Outcomes Evaluation in Health ServicesResearch.- Chapter 15. Economic Evaluation in Health Services Research.- Chapter 16. Systematic Reviews of Healthcare Interventions.- Part 4: Emerging Topics in Health Services Research.- Chapter 17. Novel Interventions for Patient Empowerment.- Chapter 18. Mental Health Reform, Ecological Translation, and the Future of Public Mental Health Care.- Chapter 19. Dynamic Landscape of the Health Professions.- Chapter 20. Community Pharmacies as Healthcare Providers: New Developments in Medication Management and the Role of Information Technology.- Chapter 21. Continuity of Care: New Approaches to a Classic Topic of Health Services Research.- Chapter 22. Access to, Continuity and Coordination of Health Care for Refugees: Emerging Challenges and Topics for Health Services Research.- Chapter 23. Digital Technology for Information and Communication in Health Care.- Chapter 24. Climate Change as a Topic of Health Services Research.

Michel Wensing is university professor and head of a master program in health services research and implementation science at Heidelberg University, Germany. He is embedded in the Department of General Practice and Health Services Research at Heidelberg University Hospital. After graduation in sociology, he received a doctoral degree in the medical sciences (both in The Netherlands). Subsequently he received habilitation at Heidelberg University and a full professorship at Radboud University, The Netherlands. He has a broad interest and experience in health services research, implementation science, and primary care research. He is teacher of these subjects at Heidelberg University. 

Charlotte Ullrich is a post-doctoral researcher at the Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany and the coordinator of a master program in health services research and implementation science at Heidelberg University. Trained as a social scientist she holds a doctoral degree in sociology from Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. She teaches research principles and qualitative research methods. Research interests include medical sociology, reproductive health and qualitative research methods.