[Health services research activities in North Rhine-Westphalia. An analysis of the project database health services research NRW].
OBJECTIVE
Health services research is gaining increasing importance in the field of public health. To present its activities and findings more clearly, the "Clearingstelle Versorgungsforschung NRW" (clearinghouse health services research North Rhine-Westphalia) has set up a database of projects in the field of health services research in North Rhine-Westphalia. This article is evaluating these projects assigning them to specific medical fields, funding resources, methods of data acquisition and key words.


METHODS
In a first step, all institutions and funders in North Rhine-Westphalia acting in the field of health services research have been identified. Those who responded to a standardized questionnaire with a description of their project were included into the database.


RESULTS
By the end of May 2008, the project database contained 184 projects. The results demonstrate that health services research activities can be found in all medical fields. Many projects use quantitative as well as qualitative methods. A documentary and secondary data analysis is performed in half of the projects. Concerning the thematic focal point, the present projects show a wide multiplicity. The projects are mainly funded by the ministries of the German Federal Republic, the federal states and the social insurance agencies. In many cases, several institutions are engaged in the funding of one project.


CONCLUSIONS
The evaluation of health services research projects in North Rhine-Westphalia allows a first insight into health services research activities in Germany. The extension of the database and regular analysis of the research activities are considered desirable.
Nellessen-Martens
Gisela
G
Clearingstelle Versorgungsforschung NRW, c/o Universität Köln, Zentrum für Versorgungsforschung, Köln, Germany.
Driller
Elke
E
Pientka
Ludger
L
Pfaff
Holger
H
D003625:Data Collection / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D016208:Databases, Factual / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005380:Financing, Government; D005858:Germany; D006302:Health Services Research / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008511:Medicine / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012107:Research Design; D013038:Specialization