Updating NSHRF's Health Research Priorities
Introduction
The Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation NSHRF recently completed the process of updating its Health Research Priorities. The objective of this initiative was to maximize the impact of the health research enterprise on informed decision making through the focused and efficient use of NSHRF resources.
The research priorities process had four phases: Process Identification and Information Gathering (completed December 2009), Consultations (completed February 2010), Priority Identification (completed March 2010), Priority Implementation (completed April 2010). This process was designed to be inclusive, respectful, fair, and transparent in order to respect the diversity of constituents that the NSHRF serves. The description of the four phases is provided below.
Information on the Health Research Priorities Process will remain available on this web page
Health Research Priorities Setting Process
Stage 1 - Process Identification and Information Gathering (July 2009 – December 2009)
Throughout this phase, the NSHRF gathered information from various sources and analyzed their influences on the Nova Scotia health research enterprise.
As part of the Information Gathering phase a number of background documents were prepared. These documents were considered "living documents" and were posted on the NSHRF website as they were completed. Interested individuals or groups were invited to review these documents and provide feedback, input and suggestions. If readers felt that information was missing, incorrect or misrepresented from any of the background documents, or the process, they were asked to submit that information to the NSHRF up to and including November 9, 2009 for consideration as priorities were established.
Stage 2 - Consultations (September 2009 – February 2010)
The Foundation sought feedback from various stakeholders regarding establishing health research priorities. In addition to public consultations via an Omnibus poll and electronic survey, 31 consultation meetings were held and an electronic survey of researchers and health system stakeholders was conducted. Feedback from each consultation was analyzed and included in subsequent consultation sessions which allowed each group to respond to and build on previous information.
The NSHRF hosted an invitation only Health Research Priorities Summit on December 1, 2009. The Summit brought together senior leaders in government, academia, District Health Authorities and the health research community seeking their input and feedback on establishing the Foundation's priorities. To view a photo slide show of the Summit click here. A summary report was written which captured the feedback and input provided from the Summit participants.
Stage 3 - Priority Identification
Information gathered in background documents and consultation meetings was summarized in a synthesis document prepared by an independent consultant (see link below). Based on advice from the NSHRF Research Advisory Committee staff developed proposed priorities which were presented to the NSHRF Board in February 2010. The Board endorsed these recommendations.
Stage 4 - Priority Implementation
In 2010-11 the NSHRF identified new health research priorities. These are:
1. Population Health
1. Changing demographics
2. Factors that contribute to inequities (income, education, race, culture, literacy, etc.)
3. Issues specific to unique and marginalized populations in NS
4. Disease prevention
5. Mental health
2. Health Services
1. Continuing care models
2. Primary health care (access)
3. Models of HHR
4. Governance, sustainability and costs
NSHRF has three program areas, and these programs include priority driven and investigator driven elements.
Programs include:
- Knowledge Programs
- Research Enterprise Development Initiatives (REDI)
- Research Programs
For more detail on each of these programs, please refer to the Funding/Programs area of our Website. If you would like a presentation regarding the NSHRF's new priorities and redesigned programs, please contact us at info@nshrf.ca.
Contact Us
Questions about the Health Research Priorities process can be directed to info@nshrf.ca.