The document discusses topics for health systems research and strengthening health systems. It provides an overview of suggested research topics such as human resources, health care delivery, private sector approaches, and governance. It also outlines different models for health policy including rationalist, incremental, and problem identification approaches. The document emphasizes translating evidence into action and factors that influence using research evidence in policymaking. It recommends researchers provide brief summaries, ensure timely and relevant research, and argue the relevance to policymaker demands.

1. Conference Health and social protection: Meeting the needs of the poor Vientiane 2008 [email_address] Research to Policy www.povill.com

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4. Suggested topics for Health Systems Research Financial and human resources Community-based financing and national health insurance Human resources for health at the district level and below Human resource requirements at higher management levels Organisation and delivery of health services Community involvement Equitable, effective and efficient health care Private sector and approaches to the organization of health services Drug and diagnostic policies Governance, stewardship, knowledge management Governance and accountability Health information systems Priority setting and evidence-informed policy making Effective approaches for intersectoral engagement in health Global influences Effects of global initiatives (GHI) on health systems

5. World Report on Knowledge for Better Health – WHO 2004 Strengthen Health Systems Health Systems Research [email_address] http://www.who.int/rpc/meetings/pub1/en/

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8. Function/action-based view on health system . Health goals Health actions Health system functions Enhancing responsiveness to the expectations of population Improving health Ensuring fairness in financial contribution Respect for persons Dignity Confidentiality Autonomy Client orientation Attention to health needs Basic amenities (mainly in facilities) Access to social support networks Choice of providers Improving average level of population health Alleviating health distribution inequalities within population Pooling financial risks Poor pay less than affluent STEWARDSHIP FINANCING SERVICE PROVISION RESOURCE GENERATION

9. Health Policy Models . Rationalist Incrementalist (“muddling through”) Walt's “Stages” Model Problem identification Policy formulation Policy implementation Policy evaluation

10. Eviden ce Research Health care policy System- adaptation Implement ation Follow up Feedback (Muir Gray:2001)

11. ” Translating” Evidence Action Factors influencing the use of research evidence (adapted from Rehnqvist)

12. The weak evidence that exist on policy makers use of evidence suggests that to increase use researchers should: Have personal and close two-way communication with decision makers Provide decision makers a brief summary with policy recommendations Ensure that research is perceived as timely, relevant and of high quality Include effectiveness data Argue that research are relevant to the demands of policy makers and the community Innvaer et al:2002