ABSTRACT
The fact that a particular health service is currently provided does not necessarily mean that it is effective or that it is necessarily appropriate for the population served. Public health specialists have an important role in assessing the need for a service and the quality and appropriateness of what is currently provided. These tasks require a sound knowledge of research methods coupled with a range of practical skills in order to
●● Measure patients’ health, illness, and quality of life
●● Study the quality, safety, access, and costeffectiveness of health services
●● Involve relevant stakeholders, such as clinicians, patients, and communities, in making assessments and implementing improvements
Approaches to the assessment of healthcare needs, utilisation and outcomes, and the evaluation of health and healthcare.
