What is health policy and systems research and why does it matter?

Abstract

This briefing note aims to describe (i) the scope and nature of the field of health policy and systems research, (ii) the type of methodologies typically employed in the field and the methodological challenges commonly encountered, and (iii) how health policy and systems research can contribute to policy and decision making. The briefing note aims to provide the broad global health research community and funders of health research with a clearer understanding of what the HPSR field is about and how it relates to other areas of global health research. The note may also be useful to those already working within the field, as an overview of the challenges and issues faced