Impact Study Methodology

The research impact study is a new field of scientific endeavour, and an increasing variety of conceptual frameworks are used to analyze research outcomes. For example, there is growing acknowledgement that investments in health research should result in advances in policy, practice, resource allocation, and community health. However, research effects are complicated, non-linear, and unexpected, and there is a tendency to ‘count what can be easily quantified’ rather than assessing what ‘counts’ in terms of significant, long-term changes. Although well-established and frequently used by research granting bodies and academic institutions, traditional academic-oriented indices of research productivity such as the number of papers, impact factors of journals, citations, research funding, and esteem measures do not always correspond well to the ultimate goals of applied health research. Governments are indicating that because they don’t speak much about the practical applications of research, indicators of research output and quality are insufficient to assess the worth of that research. Nevertheless, the fundamental issue of determining the broader benefits of research is still a challenge for research funders. Moreover, because there are currently no established systematic methods for assessing larger research consequences, particularly implications on health policy and practice, this task is more complicated.

Methods Used for Impact Analysis

Typically, the best approach is to use the following impact study methodologies:

• Checklists or scoping
• Qualitative analysis; focus group development
• Quantitative investigation
• Locating and summarizing potential solutions, such as through cost-benefit analysis.
• Data collection through surveys, consultations, and questionnaires
• Data presentation
• Monitoring and assessment

Recent years have seen the development of several frameworks that can assist in better describing and understanding the impact of research. For example, conceptual frameworks can help organize data collection, analysis, and reporting to promote clarity and consistency in impact assessments. In this review, research impact is defined as any output of research activities which can be considered a ‘positive return’ for the scientific community, health systems, patients, and society in general.” In light of these gaps in the literature, the purpose of this narrative literature review was to synthesize evidence that describes processes and conceptual models for assessing research impacts, with a focus on policy and practice impacts of public health research(1).

Conclusion

Using the suggested criteria, typology, and methodological framework, researchers, funders, and other stakeholders working across various disciplines can choose an impact study assessment design and methodologies to demonstrate the effect of research from any field.  Pubrica is the preferred partner of the world’s leading publishers, organizations, and institutions. We have STEM specialists (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and commentators with a therapeutic background. It is currently relatively easy to create a new product, publish a medical study, or acquire regulatory medicine approval. You may save both time and money with our assistance.