Foundations of Health Services Research

This textbook provides a comprehensive introduction to health services research. Health services research uses empirical studies to address challenges in the delivery and organization of health care. The book focuses on healthcare delivery (micro-level), which is embedded in institutions such as hospitals (meso-level) and healthcare systems (macro-level). The quality of the research approach determines the value of health services research to a large extent. The book, therefore, puts emphasis on research principles and research methods.

 The book provides an evidence-informed perspective on principles, methods and topics of health services research and uses examples of studies throughout the text. The 24 chapters are organised in four sections:

Introduction to Health Services Research
Principles of Health Services Research
Research Methods in Health Services Research
Emerging Topics in Health Services Research

Foundations of Health Services Research: Principles, Methods, and Topics gives an overview of tools and strategies for learning and teaching at master and doctoral levels. It also is a useful resource for health researchers in clinical science and public health. Policy-makers and healthcare managers might also find the book helpful for their work.

Author Biography

Michel Wensing is university professor and head of a master program in health services research and implementation science at Heidelberg University, Germany. He is embedded in the Department of General Practice and Health Services Research at Heidelberg University Hospital. After graduation in sociology, he received a doctoral degree in the medical sciences (both in The Netherlands). Subsequently he received habilitation at Heidelberg University and a full professorship at Radboud University, The Netherlands. He has a broad interest and experience in health services research, implementation science, and primary care research. He is teacher of these subjects at Heidelberg University. 

Charlotte Ullrich is a post-doctoral researcher at the Department of General Practice and Health Services Research, Heidelberg University Hospital, Germany and the coordinator of a master program in health services research and implementation science at Heidelberg University. Trained as a social scientist she holds a doctoral degree in sociology from Ruhr-University Bochum, Germany. She teaches research principles and qualitative research methods. Research interests include medical sociology, reproductive health and qualitative research methods.