How does health services research fit into the mission of an academic health center?
A. These studies fill a critical niche within the education, research and public service functions of an academic health center. The educational objective is based upon the growing importance of understanding the impact of changes in the health care delivery system on the role and functions of all health care professionals. Topics such as health care policy, health economics and evidence-based medicine have become essential ingredients of the education of future professionals. The emerging role of health services and policy research within the research portfolio of an academic health center is motivated by the importance of knowing what works and what does not work in health care. This need is propelled by changes in finance and delivery systems; the increasing accountability of health professionals for the clinical and financial consequences of their actions; and the greater ability to quantify more aspects of health care, including quality, outcomes and resource utilization. A major
