Why is research needed?
The previous description gives some idea of the significance of research when it comes to delivering high quality health care.
There are many examples of poor provision which cannot be improved without research to investigate better ways of doing things and to set standards.
For example, research has highlighted the wide geographical variations in the availability of care for some treatments and procedures. These variations have been addressed in the UK, to some extent, by the introduction of the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE). Without the vast body of research literature on the subject, these variations might have been overlooked or ignored.
Additionally, out-of-date or inappropriate methods of clinical practice will continue to prevail unless and until research is undertaken that will evaluate them and offer alternative models of practice.
And research can answer the ubiquitous question of cost and affordability. Due to limited resources, the most effective care may not be what should be implemented in a particular setting. The relationship between cost and effectiveness can be investigated and the findings will determine the most appropriate pattern of provision.
Research can investigate the planning, organisation, delivery and use of
services. It can assess the health needs within a community. And it can evaluate
the effectiveness and efficiency of interventions, and the equity of care
provision.
Next page: Why do research in Primary Care?
Study guide collated by: Sandra Hollinghurst, Vicky Wood (Bath RDSU) and Michael Harris 
Last updated: 01 October 2006