[The use of research by health managers in Mexico: the diagnostic and strengthening of capacity].
OBJECTIVE
The perceived capacity of health management teams to utilize research for decision making is assessed, as well as proposals for strengthening such capacity.


METHODS
A total of 103 management teams (84.4% response rate) from a wide range of institutions in six contrasting and representative states in Mexico were asked to assess their perceived capacity for utilizing research and to propose strategies to strengthen that capacity. Qualitative and statistical techniques were used from April to November 2007, after approval by the Mexico National Institute of Public Health (INSP) Ethics Commission.


RESULTS
Significant differences across states were found. Only the acquisition of knowledge is significantly correlated with the human development index. The acquisition of research is identified as the priority for strengthening capacity, through increasing the qualifications of personnel in public health research. States with a lower human development index have more immediate needs for strengthening capacity. Proposals for strengthening capacity also depend on whether decision makers are aware of the importance of research.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of self-assessment should be encouraged at the state and institutional levels. Different strategies should be used to address differences among states.
González-Block
Miguel Angel
MA
Centro de Investigaciones en Sistemas de Salud, Instituto Nacional de Salud Pública, Cuernavaca, Mor, México. mgonzalezblock@correo.insp.mx
Mercado
Francisco Javier
FJ
Ochoa
Héctor
H
Rivera
Héctor
H
Idrovo
Alvaro J
AJ
D003657:Decision Making; D005260:Female; D006269:Health Facilities, Proprietary / Q000458:organization & administration; D006270:Health Facility Administrators / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006275:Health Facility Planning; D006284:Health Plan Implementation; D006301:Health Services Needs and Demand; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006779:Hospitals, Public / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007324:Institutional Management Teams; D008297:Male; D008800:Mexico; D009726:Nurses / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010820:Physicians / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012647:Self-Assessment; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D035862:Vulnerable Populations