Development, dissemination, and utilization of public health systems research resources

This study seeks to create a Public Health Systems Research (PHSR) subset of the Health Services Research Resources (HSRR) descriptive database and 1) disseminate information about the PHSR subset and related research to the PHSR research community; and 2) facilitate utilization of this resource by PHSR researchers. Currently, there are 122 databases and survey instruments in the PHSR subset. Of those, approximately 110 originated from the HSRR database. The remaining 12 were identified through various methods, including literature review and collaboration with leading public health organizations and agencies. After creation of the PHSR subset, mini-grants were awarded to post-doc or junior faculty who proposed secondary data analysis projects using a database found in the PHSR subset. Additionally, a survey of known PHSR researchers was conducted to determine awareness, utilization, and value of the PHSR subset. Development of the PHSR section of the HSRR database has strengthened the capacity to conduct public health systems research, as evidenced by the nearly exclusive use of newly identified datasets in the mini-grant projects. The identification of PHSR specific databases has increased activity in the field and highlights the need for maintainence and further identification of PHSR datasets/instruments. Increasing access to and awareness of PHSR resources should be an important part of the agenda for continued development of the PHSR field. This project furthers that goal by providing the opportunity for mini-grant recipients to present their research results at a PHSR conference in April 2008 and submit papers for publication in a peer-reviewed journal supplement.