Abstract
In public health systems, priority setting in health research determines resource allocation to produce evidence and proposals aimed at solving the population's health problems. In Cuba, the Science and Technical Division (S&T) of the Ministry of Public Health (MINSAP) leads this process, based on the country's health policy framework and consistent with optimal use of resources. To set health research priorities (HRPs) for 2010, a three-stage interpretive method was used involving 215 professionals working at all levels of the health system in 14 territories, 22 MINSAP experts, and academic administrators and health system managers at provincial and national levels. In Stage I, HRPs were identified and confirmed in each territory using a nominal group technique and ranked using the Hanlon Method. Further classification, ranking and ratification in Stages II and III resulted in a final set of five HRPs defined in the annual Request for Proposals from which projects are selected for funding. Results reflected consensus on the need to prioritize research on determinants of low risk perception and on program management. The participatory process laid the groundwork for conducting research better designed to contribute to solutions to major health problems affecting the Cuban population.
Highlights
Fulfilling the health needs of a country’s population requires substantial resources
For the first time in Cuba, the public health system applied an interpretive, qualitative approach to set priorities determining the annual allocation of resources for health research
That process enabled professionals—those directly involved in patient care, teaching, and research, up to the highest levels of academia and the health system’s leadership—to make proposals, offer opinions, and contribute to a final consensus. This consensus emerged around the need to focus on health research priorities that address socio-cultural, economic, biological, psychological, and environmental determinants related to low risk perception; as well as improvements in program management, including, in some cases revision and updating of program content
Summary
Fulfilling the health needs of a country’s population requires substantial resources. National public health systems in different countries use various methods for setting health research priorities (HRPs).[3,6,7,8,9,10] These tend to be technical or interpretive. The former are based on epidemiological or economic data; for example, disease prevalence or the cost of a particular treatment or technology. The latter apply criteria derived primarily from consensus methods involving a range of stakeholders. Results of these methods rely on, and are limited by, the knowledge, experience, representation, and interests of participants.[6,7,9,10]
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