Moving public health systems research from infancy to adolescence: Research needs, stakeholder priorities, and a joint agenda

In their formative article, Behind the Curve? What We Know and Need to Learn from Public Health Systems Research, Mays, Halverson, and Scutchfield define Public Health Systems Research (PHSR) as a field of study that examines the organization, financing, and delivery of public health services within communities, and the impact of these services on population health. This discipline has been built and strengthened by PHSR researchers contributing to the knowledge base, private and public organizations funding such research, and variety of stakeholders along the translation continuum who use PHSR findings to guide policymaking. However, as PHSR moves from its infancy to its adolescence, unavoidable questions— practical and philosophical— face this field.

Building on prior accomplishments of the Council on Linkages Between Academia and Public Health Practice, this panel seeks to continue the PHSR consensus-building dialogue by addressing the diverse interests that shape this emerging field and posing a strategy for moving it forward. In particular, the panelists will examine the discipline's emerging needs and redefine a research agenda that incorporates the priorities of key stakeholders. The panel will focus on understanding: 1) the dimensions of public health systems, 2) the core determinants of public health, and 3) system performance and improvement measurement.

During this session, there will be an opportunity for participants to provide feedback on PHSR emerging needs and priorities presented by the panelists.