Evaluating Health Research Funding Outcomes in Hong Kong
Author Information
Author(s): Kwan Patrick, Johnston Janice, Fung Anne YK, Chong Doris SY, Collins Richard A, Lo Su V
Primary Institution: Health, Welfare and Food Bureau, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
Hypothesis
What are the outcomes of publicly funded health research in Hong Kong and how do they influence health policy and provider behavior?
Conclusion
The HHSRF has produced substantial outcomes and compared favorably with similar health research funds in other developed economies.
Supporting Evidence
- 87% of completed research projects returned the questionnaire.
- Investigators reported an average of 5.4 publications per project.
- 35.4% of projects used findings in policy making.
- 49.4% of projects led to changes in behavior.
Takeaway
This study looked at how health research funded by the government in Hong Kong has helped improve health services and policies. It found that many projects led to useful changes and benefits.
Methodology
A questionnaire based on the 'payback' evaluation framework was sent to principal investigators of completed research projects supported by the fund since 1993.
Potential Biases
The study may be subject to response bias, particularly from projects completed more than 7 years prior to the survey.
Limitations
Responses may reflect recall bias, over or underestimation of effects, and measurement error due to the subjective nature of attributing research findings to changes in health policy and behavior.
Participant Demographics
The study included principal investigators from various health research projects in Hong Kong.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95% CI 1.28–6.40; 95% CI 4.13–26.81; 95% CI 1.53–8.81
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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