A case for government-sponsored health care research and development in the formulation of health policy and an account of early experience of government-sponsored health care research in one jurisdiction.

Abstract

Health care, in the technologic sense an “industry,” lacks an objective information base for rational formulation of health policy and decision making which at present appear mainly to be based on a compound of perceived need, of programs advocated by professional enthusiasts and pressure groups, and of political considerations. The “industry” has so far been protected from the full consequences of its inefficient operation mainly through the simple procedure of permitting escalating uncontrolled costs. Policy and decision making, leading to better deployment of resources, can be improved substantially by government–directed research and development, the first component of which is the launching of a health care research program. The efforts of one government jurisdiction, Ontario, in this direction are described.