Novel mode of knowledge production? Producers and consumers in health services research.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate (1) what type of knowledge production characterizes health services research - academically based (mode 1) or socially distributed (mode 2); (2) how leaders in health services research link to users of the research; (3) how this research is influenced by its funding base; and (4) the development and dissemination strategies of investigators.


METHODS
Four purposively selected case studies of contrasting health services research groups generated early propositions (70 interviews). These led to a postal survey of key stakeholder groups in one English National Health Service region (199 responses, 53% response rate).


RESULTS
Health services research in the UK is characterized by: a mix of mode 1 and mode 2 output indicators; strong external relationship building by group leaders; a powerful driver from external finance; and extensive dissemination and development activity.


CONCLUSIONS
Health services researchers may have to operate in both modes. Mode 1 retains considerable defensive power, so there are limits to the extent to which mode 2 research may develop.
The Business School, Imperial College, London, UK.
Ewan
E
Ferlie
Martin
M
Wood
D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000379:methods / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D033181:Information Dissemination; D007373:Interinstitutional Relations; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D007449:Investments; D019359:Knowledge; D008490:Medical Informatics; D019982:Organizational Case Studies; D011050:Policy Making; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012108:Research Personnel; D012109:Research Support as Topic / Q000458:organization & administration; D013222:State Medicine; D006113:United Kingdom; D014495:Universities