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Research.
Evidence.
Our mission:
Action.
to improve
people’s health
HRB Strategy
2016-2020
and to improve
healthcare
delivery
Delivering We will lead and
future health support excellent
research, and we
will generate relevant
HRB Strategy 2016-2020 knowledge and
promote its application
in policy and practice.
hrb.ie
Our mission: to
improve people’s
health and to enhance
healthcare delivery
We will lead and
support excellent
research, and we
will generate relevant
knowledge and
promote its application
in policy and practice.
hrb.ie
1 Introduction 2
2 The importance
of health research 6
3 Scope of the HRB’s strategy 10
4 What we will do 12
5 Strategy objectives
and expected outcomes 16
6 Implementing the HRB
Strategy 2016–2020 35
7 Glossary 38
2 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
1
Introduction
The Health Research Board (HRB) is a statutory
agency under the aegis of the Department of
Health. As the lead agency in Ireland responsible
for supporting and funding health research,
information and evidence, we are motivated and
inspired by our vision – Healthy people through
excellent research and applied knowledge.
Between now and 2020, our who carried out a review of is evidence-informed, and
mission has two complementary progress at the end of 2014. These that research, information and
aspects: to improve people’s experts examined the outputs innovation are fully exploited to
health and to enhance healthcare and impacts of that strategy in improve the wider health system
delivery. To achieve these aims, consultation with the HRB Board and to support the delivery of the
we will lead and support excellent and staff, the Department of Programme for Government.
research, and we will generate Health, key health and social care
relevant knowledge and promote stakeholders, and the research The HRB’s strategy is fully aligned
its application in policy and community. The recommendations with and supportive of these
practice. We are determined to that emerged from their objectives, and we will focus on
see the research that we fund review are incorporated in this achieving them in all our research
translated into real benefits document, the HRB Strategy support, health information and
for people, to see significant 2016–2020. evidence activities.
transformation in the system
of healthcare delivery, and to
see economic returns arising
This document also takes into
account the policies, strategies,
1.1
from healthcare innovation and plans and priorities of the The Irish
economic development. Department of Health, as set
out in the Action Plan for
health system
Over the past five years, we have Health Research 2009–2013 2 ,
achieved the major goals set out the Statement of Strategy 2015
in our Strategic Business Plan - 2017 3 and Health Priorities for The overall purpose of the health
2010–2015 1. This was confirmed by 2015–2017 4. The Department service is to improve the health
an international panel of experts is keen to ensure that its work and well-being of people in Ireland
1. http://www.hrb.ie/uploads/tx_hrbpublications/HRB_Strategy_2010-2014_01.pdf
2. http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/action_plan_health_research.pdf
3 http://health.gov.ie/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/Statement-of-Strategy-2015-%E2%80%93-2017-PDF.pdf
4 http://www.merrionstreet.ie/en/ImageLibrary/20150123HealthPriorities.pdf
HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 3 by keeping them healthy, providing the healthcare they need, delivering high-quality and safe services, and getting best value from health system resources. In common with health systems around the world, the Irish healthcare system is facing significant societal, economic and organisational challenges. These include demographic change, an ageing population, an increase in the number of people living with chronic disease, and rising costs. New technologies and advances in the understanding and treatment of disease offer the possibility of providing cures, personalised care and prevention strategies that were previously unimaginable – but at a significant financial cost. A shift in the model of care from acute to primary, community and self-managed care also creates demands and challenges for the system, which is necessarily large, complex and interconnected. Government has recognised these challenges and is committed to fundamental reforms and developments in the health services to address them. Government strategy is outlined in the 2012 document Future Health: A Strategic Framework for Reform of the Health Services 2012–2015 5. Significant progress has been made in implementing this reform programme, including the introduction of revised governance and management structures, the establishment of primary care teams and hospital groups linked to academic centres, and the integration of services for delivering primary, social and mental healthcare at local level. A number of clinical care programmes have been established to improve and standardise patient care. At national level, the National Clinical Effectiveness Committee is developing a suite of prioritised National Clinical Guidelines which, when implemented, can improve health outcomes, reduce variations in practice, improve the quality of clinical decisions, and influence health service policy. In parallel with reforming the healthcare system, Government recognises the importance of adopting a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing. With the Healthy Ireland 6 initiative, Government aims to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of Ireland, focusing on prevention and keeping people healthier for longer, in line with the World Health Organisation’s description of health as more than just the absence of disease, but ‘a complete state of physical, mental and social well-being’. Research evidence and information will be critical enablers of the Healthy Ireland strategy. 5. http://health.gov.ie/blog/publications/future-health-a-strategic- framework-for-reform-of-the-health-service-2012-2015/ 6. http://health.gov.ie/healthy-ireland/
4 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
1.2
Our core principles
The HRB operates to a number of core principles
that guide all our activities:
Integrity
Independence and objectivity
Quality and professionalism
Transparency, fairness
and accountability
Collaboration and cooperation
Focus on outcomes and impact
Value for money
These principles are reflected • Patient and public • Leadership – as the major
in the strategy for the coming involvement – people are at funder of health research
five years. In particular, we will the centre of health research. in Ireland, the HRB will
strengthen and develop our Over the next five years, we strengthen its leadership role.
efforts in the following areas: will develop initiatives aimed at We will do this by promoting
strengthening the involvement and influencing national and
• Strategic partnerships – of patients and the public in European agendas relevant to
we will develop strategic health research in Ireland. the work that we do, and by
partnerships across a number facilitating the translation of
of our stakeholder groups, • Data – we will advance research and evidence into
including academia, practice, the exploitation of data in better health outcomes and
and policy spheres. We expect health research to yield better healthcare services.
that these partnerships will information that contributes to
maximise the benefits of improvements in health.
research for health nationally
and internationally.
5 We will develop initiatives aimed at strengthening the involvement of patients and the public in health research.
6 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
2
The
importance of
health research
Health research is key to achieving
the objectives of the health system.
It delivers knowledge, insights and
evidence to address key challenges in
our society. It can be used to improve
the quality and efficiency of our health
services, and enhance the quality of
life of people throughout our society. Great ideas are
Research enables us to develop more
effective preventative strategies,
the basis for
better health care practices and many advances
treatments, more sensitive models in healthcare.
of care, and more efficient ways
to use human, infrastructural
and financial resources.
HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 7
Health research involves a very
wide range of scientific, academic
2.1 In their 2012 report 7, the
Research Prioritisation Steering
and clinical disciplines, from The Irish Group – representing the relevant
biology to mathematics, from
chemistry to population studies,
research system Government departments and
State agencies – identified
from physics to statistics, from fourteen priorities for public
psychology to engineering, and investment in research, five of
from management to computing. Ireland has, over the past which are in the health area:
It involves academic researchers, 15 years, built a credible,
healthcare professionals, internationally-recognised, • Medical Devices
the education sector, the life research base across the
medical and life sciences, • Connected Health
sciences industry, and numerous
charitable groups. engineering and technology, • Food for Health
and the humanities and social
• Formulation and
Advances in biomedical and sciences. This includes skilled
Delivery of Therapeutics
clinical sciences have made people capable of generating
substantial contributions to the and applying new knowledge in • Diagnostics
healthcare industry worldwide. the academic, health, enterprise
They offer opportunities to and other sectors, committed These priorities are intended to
develop new tools, prototypes, research funding across the full provide focus for the portion
and marketable products, range of scientific activity from the of national research investment
processes, and services for most basic to the most applied, that is oriented towards the Irish
the healthcare system, all of and a world-class research enterprise base. The report also
which need to be validated in infrastructure (including facilities, acknowledges the importance
‘real life’ situations as part of equipment, IP management, of policy- and practice-oriented
their development process. research governance, and health research that sits outside
Clinical trials are needed for technical support). Irish society these priorities, but that can
medicines and medical devices is already benefiting from benefit both the economic and
to assess safety, tolerability, this effort in important areas the societal/health agendas.
and pharmacokinetics; equally, such as health, education, The HRB will, therefore, in the
diagnostics need rigorous testing the environment, enterprise, first instance align its clinical,
and comparisons before they agriculture and the marine. population health, health services
are approved for marketing. A research and health information
well-organised health research The health system portfolios with the policy and
system with a strategic focus clinical practice agendas of the
can not only make a difference
both drives and benefits Department of Health and the
to health and the healthcare from innovation. Health Service Executive, but
system, but also make a significant will also continue to take into
contribution to economic growth account the broader aims of
and the country’s attractiveness Government science, technology
as a location for health and life and innovation policies and in
sciences industries. particular the priorities identified
by the Research Prioritisation
Steering Group.
7. HTTPS://www..djei.ie/en/Publications/Publication-files/Research-Prioritisation.pdf8 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
2.2 The health system both drives
and benefits from innovation.
people and community
care, integrated care, cost
Health research The healthcare sector is the control and value for money,
and the health and biggest employer in Ireland –
the Health Service Executive
drugs and addiction, poverty
and homelessness, and health
social care system employs approximately 100,000 and wellbeing.
people, and many more work in
the private sector, from general The goals of prevention and
The increasing complexity and practitioners and physiotherapists, health promotion, supported by
scale of our health system – to pharmacists and dentists. a functioning system of acute and
on which the State spends primary care, cannot be achieved
approximately €13 billion annually Their work puts them into contact without a strong evidence base.
– and the widening gap between with – literally – millions of clients Research needs to be embedded
healthcare demands and the and service users each year. within the healthcare system, so
availability of resources create This illustrates the immensity that researchers can engage in a
significant challenges both for of the opportunity for research meaningful way, at system level,
the Irish exchequer and for and innovation to transform the with all stakeholders, including
healthcare providers. interactions, to improve health patients, patient organisations,
outcomes for individual patients, healthcare staff and industry.
High-quality research and to provide clinical care
more efficiently. The appointment of a Chief
evidence, and timely Academic Officer to the
and relevant health Many of the actions identified management team of hospital
information are key to in the Action Plan for Health groups will ensure that research
achieving the Department Research are designed to create a is high on the agenda of the
coherent health research system healthcare system. This, along
of Health’s goals. that can effectively translate and with the Department of Health’s
apply research to developing willingness to make decisions
new diagnostics, treatments or based on research, evidence and
therapies, to improving patient data analytics, will help to ensure
Meeting Ireland’s health and outcomes, to changing the way that HRB-supported research
social care needs will require in which healthcare is practised outputs and the data from the
substantially increased innovation and delivered, and, ultimately, to HRB’s health information systems
in clinical practice and in health improving the nation’s health and and evidence reviews are used
service design and delivery. wellbeing. These priorities formed to develop and improve the
High-quality research evidence, an important part of our previous healthcare system.
and timely and relevant health strategic plan, and they continue
information are key to achieving to inform the strategy set out in
the Department of Health’s goals this document.
and those of Irish health and
social care organisations. This has Apart from its important role in Meeting Ireland’s health
been recognised for some time, delivering the evidence base for and social care needs
and several policy documents in
recent years have acknowledged
the policies and practices of the will require substantially
Department of Health and the
the need to embed research in Health Service Executive, health
increased innovation in
the health system. research is also germane to many clinical practice and in
of the priorities set out in the health service design
Programme for Government, such
and delivery.
as mental health and disability,
primary care reform, care of olderHRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 9
We will support the training and career
development of researchers through a
number of mechanisms and at many different
levels – from Ph.D. students and postdoctoral
fellows to investigators and leaders.
2.3 This adds value to Irish investment
in health research. International
Such integration allows us to
produce work of international
Linking to collaboration and networking significance, while at the same
European research help to address the scale of many
health challenges that cannot be
time gaining knowledge and
insights from research work
and expertise funded or solved by Ireland alone. carried on elsewhere in our
These challenges require the extended network.
integration of the wide range of
expertise, facilities and innovations International programmes are also
Collaboration with colleagues that internationalised research an important source of research
internationally has many benefits supports. funding. Irish health researchers
for Irish health researchers. It succeeded in obtaining some €80
gives them access to high-quality million under the EU Research
facilities, expertise and research Collaboration with Framework 7 Programme 2007–
ideas elsewhere, and affords them colleagues internationally 2013 (FP7). The latest Framework
the opportunity to develop long Programme, Horizon 2020,
lasting networks and collaborative has many benefits for Irish presents further opportunities
relationships with peers abroad. health researchers. to deepen our engagement in
collaborative European and
international research.10 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
3
Scope of
the HRB’s
strategy
In recent years, the HRB has placed
more emphasis on patient oriented
and clinical research, population
health sciences, and health
services research. This change
in emphasis was reflected in
the HRB’s previous strategic
plan, and it continues to be
a key element in the strategy
set out in this document.
The strategy for the next
five years is to consolidate,
nurture and build on
this progress.HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 11
Over the past decade, The CRFs support clinical trials The strategy for the next five years
Government investment in and interventions, from design and is to consolidate, nurture and build
biomedical research has had a regulatory compliance, through on this progress.
significant impact on the quality the accrual and follow-up phase,
and reputation of Irish research, to data analysis. CRFs now enable Over the next five years, we
with a number of teams in key many projects to be conducted will pay particular attention
areas now producing results of in a safe and high-quality to developing new and
international significance. environment – projects that would innovative partnerships and
previously not have been feasible. collaborations in areas such
As the investment in research Over the coming months and as patient safety and quality,
grew and delivered results, years, HRB-funded CRFs will be chronic disease management,
there was in parallel a growing networked with two pre-existing quality improvement, health and
awareness that the value of that clinical research centres, with the wellbeing, data infrastructure
investment is realised only when specific objective of facilitating and evidence synthesis and
the results are translated and multi-site intervention studies guideline development.
applied effectively to develop in Ireland.
new diagnostics, treatments or We also aim to encourage greater
therapies, to improve patient Over the past decade, the HRB levels of user involvement in
outcomes, and to change the way has reinforced its commitment the design and conduct of our
in which healthcare is practised to supporting researchers in research activities, and to engage
and delivered. population health sciences and in more effective knowledge
health services research at all exchange and dissemination
Recognising this, the HRB stages of their careers, from Ph.D. activities that will influence
has, since the late 1990s, candidates to research leaders. decision-making, adoption
broadened its investment beyond As a result of this investment: and/or scale-up of healthcare
biomedical research and placed interventions.
• There is now greater capacity
more emphasis on patient
across the career continuum
oriented and clinical research, In the area of health information,
at every level in population
population health sciences, and the HRB currently manages
health sciences and health
health services research. This five national health information
services research
change in emphasis was reflected systems that were established at
in the HRB’s previous strategic • There are more partnerships the request of the Department
plan, and it continues to be a key and alliances between of Health (and, in the case of one
element in the strategy set institutions and across sectors system, the Department of Justice
out in this document. and Equality) to meet specific
• There are more clinicians
needs in the areas of drugs,
engaging in population
This focus on research that is disability, and mental health.
health sciences and health
directly relevant to Irish society The HRB systems are specifically
services research
has resulted in a significantly included in a number of national
enhanced landscape for clinical • There are greater numbers strategies and policy documents.
research in Ireland, much of it applying to design and Over the next five years, these
driven by the development, with evaluate interventions systems will be streamlined, and
HRB funding, of three clinical • There is greater use and the secondary analysis of their
research facilities (CRFs) on analysis of existing data data will be supported.
hospital campuses. and cohorts.12 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
4
What we
will do Over the period of this strategy,
we will continue to focus on those
areas and activities with the greatest
Over the past five years, the potential to bring benefits to patients
and the Irish population.
HRB has significantly increased
We will consolidate and build
its investment in population on the progress we have made
in constructing a coherent and
health sciences and health integrated clinical research
infrastructure nationally (including
services research, transformed facilities, equipment, coordination,
research support, and networks),
the infrastructure for clinical seek to enhance data environments,
research in Ireland, supported and increase the capacity for high-
quality patient oriented, clinical,
service planning with its population health, and health
services research.
national health information
At the same time we will work with our
systems, and developed an partners nationally and internationally
to ensure that the important area of
evidence service for the biomedical research continues to be
adequately supported.
Department of Health
to support the formulation
of policy.
We have a responsibility to
invest in the future as well as
to meet the needs of today’s
health system.HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 13
Our three focus areas and enablers are complementary and interdependent,
and we will pursue them simultaneously throughout the period of the strategy.
Figure 1: HRB strategic activities 2016–2020
FOCUS
AREA
1 Focus Area 1
Address major
Enabler A
Support exceptional
ENABLER ENABLER health challenges researchers and leaders
A B
Focus Area 2 Enabler B
Support healthcare Build a strong enabling
interventions environment
FOCUS FOCUS
AREA AREA Focus Area 3 Enabler C
2 3 Address the research
needs of the Irish health
Enhance
organisational
ENABLER and social care system performance
C
4.1 4.2
Focus areas Enabling themes
As the lead national agency for health research in Progress in the three focus areas will be
Ireland, we have a responsibility to invest in the enabled and maximised by policies and
future as well as to meet the needs of today’s health actions that affect all three:
system. Great ideas are the basis for many advances
• Supporting the exceptional researchers and
in healthcare. We have defined the following three
leaders we need to undertake high-quality
distinct but complementary areas of focus that we
health research and generate evidence
consider to be the most appropriate to lead the
HRB and its community over the period 2016–2020 • Building a strong enabling environment for
and beyond: health research in Ireland and ensuring that
we understand the outcomes and demonstrate
• Address major health challenges
the impacts of our investments
• Support healthcare interventions
• Ensuring that our policies and governance
• Address the research needs of the are robust and founded on best practices
Irish health & social care system14 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
Focus areas and Enabling themes
Focus Area 1 Focus Area 2 Focus Area 3
Address major health Support healthcare Address the research needs
challenges interventions of the Irish health and social
care system
Innovative, investigator-led and The design, conduct and evaluation Partnership-driven research,
internationally competitive research of healthcare intervention studies information and evidence that meet
to address major health challenges to improve health outcomes and the needs of the Irish health and
in society health service delivery social care system
In this focus area, we aim to create This focus area will support the The third focus area will
new knowledge that, over time, design, conduct and evaluation of concentrate explicitly on the
will help to address the major healthcare intervention studies research and evidence needs of
health challenges in society and to improve health outcomes and the Irish health and social care
have an impact on tomorrow’s health service delivery. The HRB’s system. Activities in this focus
healthcare. This research will be investment in infrastructure over area will have both a shorter term
innovative and investigator-led. It the past decade means that it and a more applied perspective
may be in any area within the HRB’s is now possible for researchers than activities supported in Focus
remit but must be internationally in Ireland to conduct high Area 1. In addition, work in this
competitive, with excellence quality intervention studies and focus area will be designed and
being the key driver. In this trials. The focus of this area delivered in a way that considers
focus area, we will be flexible in is on the practical translation the needs of stakeholders in
considering support for a broader of research discoveries and the health system. Partnership-
array of topics and issues than knowledge into new ways of driven research, information and
those prioritised by the national treating patients, delivering care evidence generation will address
system and policymakers, so as to or changing behaviour. Healthcare short- to medium-term evidence
encourage the development and interventions, including trials, are gaps and health system needs.
refinement of fresh ideas, new an essential step in translating Research and information users
techniques and methodologies. research discoveries into in the health services will play a
improvements in health and health key role in defining and prioritising
This research represents a long services. Intervention studies questions and topics, as well as in
term investment in our future, may be hospital or community the conduct of the research and
providing the seed-corn of based, and may include medicinal dissemination of the results.
intellectual and human capital products, procedures, devices,
that will be needed for future behavioural treatments, preventive Research projects funded in
generations. care or service change. this focus area are likely to be
of shorter duration than those
Where appropriate, intervention funded in Focus Area 1, and will
studies supported by the HRB will take into account the context for
incorporate cost analysis and data implementation and adoption
on implementation. including, where appropriate,
analyses of cost, workforce and
acceptability. Although research
must be of a high quality, the main
driver in this focus area will be the
needs of the health system today,
rather that the generation of new
knowledge for tomorrow.HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 15
Enabler A
Enabler A Enabler B
Enabler B Enabler C
Enabler C
Support exceptional Build a strong enabling Enhance organisational
researchers and leaders environment performance
Support the exceptional researchers, Build a strong enabling Achieve and sustain outstanding
talent and leadership we need to environment for health levels of organisational performance
undertake high-quality health research in Ireland
research and generate evidence
Key to the successful delivery of Effective translation of health To deliver our strategy in a manner
each of the HRB’s objectives is a research into societal and that maximises its impact and
highly skilled research workforce. economic benefits needs a benefits, the HRB will build on
Health research requires the positive enabling environment. its strengths to align its people,
talent, expertise and ingenuity of a The characteristics of this should structures, skills and processes
wide range of people – clinicians, include good coordination with our strategic objectives.
health professionals, scientists, between the healthcare system
social scientists, epidemiologists, and industry; excellent facilities It is not simply about what we do,
health economists, statisticians, and infrastructure; appropriate but how we can do it better. We
and many others. As well as systems for data management; will continuously improve how we
generating ideas and undertaking regulatory and policy support; a work – through strong teamwork,
research, a highly skilled workforce coordinated and credible approach innovative problem-solving and
will ensure that research and to establishing research priorities; responsive leadership.
evidence are integrated into policy and a culture that recognises
and practice, thus improving patients and the public as partners By addressing this priority
decision-making and, ultimately, in the health research process. effectively, we will create and
health outcomes. Moreover, an increased focus maintain simple but effective
on synergies between European processes, engage appropriately
Between now and 2020, we will and national agencies makes with stakeholders, take innovative
continue to invest in excellent it increasingly important that approaches to planning and service
Ph.D. training programmes, so as the HRB aligns and coordinates delivery, and ensure decisions
to attract the best people into its activities with those of its are made on the best available
health research. We will provide European partners. information. We will enhance
opportunities for postdoctoral and implement appropriate
researchers and new investigators Between now and 2020, the HRB mechanisms to review and monitor
to continue their research. We will will provide the strategic leadership what we do and how we do it.
support leaders who can promote required to shape the national Achieving organisational excellence
research in the health system, and health research agenda. We will will ensure that the HRB is
we will encourage our research continue to invest in the research recognised as the leader in health
community to develop international infrastructure in order to promote research in Ireland and that Irish
links. In recognition of the fact excellence, critical mass and people develop an understanding
that responsibility for training and coordination across the system. At of the impact that health research
career development is shared international level, we will continue has on people’s lives and the
and requires input from many to support and encourage our delivery of healthcare.
stakeholders, we will work with the research community to participate
higher education system in Ireland, in Horizon 2020 and other
as well as with the Health Service European research programmes,
Executive and professional training and we will continue to play our
bodies, to develop a coordinated part in European initiatives that
approach to building capacity in influence the environment for
health research in Ireland. health research.16 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020 5 Strategy objectives and expected outcomes
HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 17
5.1
Focus Area 1:
Address major health challenges
Support innovative, investigator-led and internationally competitive research to
address major health challenges in society.
Many of the advances in Healthcare costs are rising; Between now and 2020, the HRB
healthcare that we enjoy today the incidence of chronic and will support investigator-led,
are based on research. Recent infectious diseases is a burden innovative and internationally
improvements in life expectancy, in countries worldwide; an competitive research aimed
in the prevention, diagnosis and ageing population brings with at addressing these kinds of
treatment of disease, and in it an increase in cancers and major health challenges. We will
healthcare delivery and outcomes neurodegenerative disorders; encourage new and established
have their origins in research the links between health groups to collaborate more
that was carried out over many and environment are poorly effectively and, for those problems
decades. understood; migration patterns that can only be addressed
mean that health problems are on a larger scale, we will work
Researchers in Ireland have played increasingly globalised; rising with national and international
their part in these discoveries, inequalities threaten much of partners to add value to the HRB’s
often working with international the progress we have made; and investment. In doing so, we will
partners to create the knowledge mental health problems are a focus on research that is driven
needed to address major health cause for concern at all ages. by excellence and originality, with
challenges, and to find solutions. the aim of informing the future
Despite these advances, development of innovative or
considerable challenges remain. novel therapies, treatments,
prevention strategies, services
and interventions.
Specific objectives
1.1 Support high-quality, investigator-led internationally competitive research.
Actions – Fund excellent, investigator-led research awards.
– Work with partners nationally to co-fund high-quality,
investigator-led health research projects and programmes.
– Incentivise HRB researchers to develop partnerships,
collaborations and common research agendas.
Key – Number of academic and clinical principal
Performance investigators supported.
Indicators – Additional exchequer and non-exchequer funding
leveraged by principal investigators.
– Number, type and value of HRB co-funded national research
projects and programmes.18 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
1.2 Develop and implement co-funding opportunities with international agencies
and institutions.
Actions – Develop and implement an approach to engagement in
international co-funding partnerships that aligns with, and
supports, HRB strategic research objectives.
– Participate in international co-funding initiatives, in order to
address major health challenges and to add value to existing HRB
and national investment.
– Work with partners to promote the HRB-SFI-Wellcome Trust
Biomedical Research Partnership, in order to increase the rate of
success for researchers in Ireland.
Key – Level of HRB investment in international co-funded programmes.
Performance – Number of Irish health researchers supported through HRB
Indicators co-funded national and international programmes.
Expected outcomes
• Production of high-quality research that contributes to the evidence base and
thinking on current and emerging global health challenges.
• Leveraged expertise and coordination through increased networking of health
researchers nationally and internationally.
• Enhancement of Ireland’s reputation for high-quality health research.
• Active contribution of HRB-funded research to new solutions, innovations and
advances in tackling major health challenges.
Many of the advances in healthcare that we
enjoy today are based on research. Recent
improvements in life expectancy, in the
prevention, diagnosis and treatment of
disease, and in healthcare delivery and
outcomes have their origins in research
that was carried out over many decades.HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 19
5.2
Focus Area 2:
Support healthcare interventions
Support the design, conduct and evaluation of healthcare intervention studies, in
order to improve health outcomes and health service delivery.
The benefits of health research The HRB’s support for clinical In addition, we will invest in the
can be fully realised only when trials has played an important structures and supports needed
the knowledge generated is role in improving the outcomes to coordinate multi-centre
tested and applied in practice. for cancer patients in Ireland intervention studies in Ireland, to
Intervention studies are essential by enabling them to gain early promote access to Europe-wide
for developing better treatments access to new treatments and intervention studies, and to ensure
and improving healthcare. high-quality care. Between now that the intervention studies we
By testing the efficacy, cost and 2020, we will expand HRB fund are of the highest quality.
and impact of new therapies, support for clinical trials networks
treatments or services, and interventions in other areas
intervention studies have of health and health services.
a significant part to play in
changing the way healthcare
is practised and delivered.
Specific objectives
2.1 Support the design, conduct and evaluation of intervention studies.
Actions – Fund healthcare intervention studies.
– Support the on-going performance and review of clinical
trials networks.
– Ensure continued relevance and impact of HRB investment
in healthcare interventions.
Key – Number and type of intervention studies supported through
Performance HRB funding.
Indicators – Number of patients and participants in HRB-supported trials.20 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
2.2 Facilitate coordination, enabling mechanisms and national and
international collaborations that improve the volume, quality, relevance
and impact of trials and intervention studies in Ireland.
Actions – Provide support to strengthen the methodology and reporting
of trials and intervention studies in Ireland.
– Implement and develop HRB-Clinical Research Coordination
Ireland (HRB-CRCI) to increase both the number and quality
of multi-centre clinical trials in Ireland.
– Promote the participation of Irish clinical researchers in
EU-wide networks.
Key – Improvement in methodological quality of HRB-funded trials
Performance and intervention studies.
Indicators
– Level of participation of HRB-funded researchers
in European clinical infrastructure.
Expected outcomes
• Increased capacity, skills and methodologies to test and evaluate new models
of healthcare delivery.
• More intervention-focused health research in Ireland, resulting in better outcomes
for individuals, and increased quality and safety in the healthcare system.
• Availability of robust data on cost, feasibility and acceptability of proposed
healthcare initiatives.
Healthcare interventions,
including trials, are an essential
step in translating research
discoveries into improvements
in health and health services.HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 21
5.3
Focus Area 3:
Address the research needs of the Irish health
and social care system
Support partnership-driven research, information and evidence that meet the
needs of the Irish health and social care system.
With healthcare becoming more Over the period 2016–2020, we In recognition of the fact that
complex – and with associated will grow our evidence synthesis implementing the results of
costs increasing – the Irish health and knowledge translation research and changing practice
and social care system has a activities, in order to help policy- are complex processes, a critical
growing need for timely, relevant, makers, service planners and component of these initiatives
high-quality research, information providers make better decisions. will be strong collaboration and
and evidence to inform public The HRB will support research that partnership between researchers,
health policy, health delivery and addresses questions of national practitioners, decision-makers and
decision-making. relevance for health services knowledge users.
management and practice, and
As the lead agency for health will work with the Department
research in Ireland – and also as of Health and the Health Service
the agency responsible for five Executive to develop new
key national information systems – guidelines for clinical practice.
the HRB has an important role to
play in generating the evidence to
support the Irish health and social
care system.22 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
Specific objectives
3.1 Support research that addresses questions of national relevance for clinical
and population health practice and for health services management, and
translation of the research results into policy and/or practice.
Actions – Provide support for new applied research projects that meet the
needs of the Irish healthcare system using integrated knowledge
translation approaches.
– Manage existing initiatives in targeted and strategic
health areas to optimise knowledge translation for policy
and/or practice.
– Promote integrated knowledge-translation approaches, including
implementation research, in order to ensure optimal translation
of findings into policy and/or practice.
– Promote the secondary analysis and deeper exploitation
of existing data sources, in order to deliver high-quality,
high-impact evidence for policy and/or practice.
– Commission research studies, as deemed appropriate or
as requested by State bodies and other stakeholders.
Key – Number of applied partnership awards/principal
Performance investigators supported.
Indicators – Number of demonstrable impacts on policy and practice.
– Number of awards and initiatives with partners from the
health and social care system.
Research and information
users in the health services
will play a key role in defining
and prioritising questions
and topics, as well as in the
conduct of the research and
dissemination of the results.HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 23
3.2 Provide high-quality, timely and relevant data for policy, service
planning and research through the HRB’s national health information
systems (NHIS).
Actions – Actively shape the national agenda for health information, and
ensure that HRB data are used to develop and monitor policy.
– Ensure that HRB data are used for service planning and
reporting purposes.
– Increase the use of HRB data for research purposes.
– Implement an integrated IT platform for all HRB health
information systems – one that is both scalable and adaptable for
future systems development.
– Ensure the relevance, timeliness and quality of HRB health
information systems through improvements in data collection,
validation, analysis, reporting and stakeholder engagement.
Key – HRB is actioned in national strategies for disability, drugs, mental
Performance health and health information.
Indicators – HRB data is identified in service plans as the basis for monitoring
disability, drugs and mental health service delivery.
– HRB data is used to inform development of national policy
and strategy.
– New research projects are initiated using HRB data.
– A stable, robust, high-quality and integrated IT platform
is implemented.
It is not simply about what we do, but how
we can do it better. We will continuously
improve how we work – through strong
teamwork, innovative problem-solving
and responsive leadership.24 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
3.3 Promote and support evidence synthesis and knowledge translation activities
in order to help policy-makers, service planners and providers make
evidence-based decisions.
Actions – Promote access to the Cochrane Library, and support the
training of individuals and groups to conduct high-quality
and timely Cochrane Reviews, in order to inform healthcare
decision-making.
– Commission, in partnership with the National Clinical
Effectiveness Committee (NCEC), a clinical effectiveness review
collaboration for Ireland to support the generation of
NCEC-prioritised guidelines and their update.
– Provide the Department of Health with an expanded portfolio
of evidence services, and further develop our knowledge
brokering activities.
– In collaboration with the Department of Health and HSE,
develop and introduce an evidence review service for health
service planners.
– Provide access to the HRB’s national drugs library to facilitate the
use of research-based knowledge in decision-making by those
working in the area of problem substance use in Ireland.
– Collect, analyse and report factual, objective, reliable and
comparable information on the drug situation, consequences and
responses in Ireland to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs
and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA).
– Add value to the HRB’s role as National Focal Point to the EMCDDA
by meeting the information needs of national and international
stakeholders.
Key – Number of individuals who are trained in evidence synthesis and
Performance appraisal through Cochrane training initiatives.
Indicators – All commissioned NCEC guidelines/updates from 2016 onwards
informed by the work of the clinical effectiveness review
collaboration for Ireland.
– Increase in the number of products in the HRB’s evidence service
portfolio provided to the Department of Health.
– Number of evidence reviews provided to the Health Service
Executive.
– Fulfilled actions assigned to the HRB in the National
Drugs Strategy.HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 25
Expected outcomes
• Timely, relevant and high-quality research, data and information that
address the needs of policy makers and decision makers in Ireland.
• Evidence to support the development of national clinical guidelines.
• Research data and evidence to support the transformation programme.
• Close liaison and cooperation between the research producers and evidence
users, facilitating evidence-based decision making and robust evaluation
of implementation.
5.4
Enabler A:
Support exceptional researchers and leaders
Support the exceptional researchers, talent and leadership we need to undertake
high-quality health research and generate evidence.
Key to the successful delivery of The HRB currently supports the We will support leaders who can
each of the HRB’s objectives is a training and career development promote research in the health
highly skilled research workforce. of researchers through a number system, and we will encourage our
Health research requires the of mechanisms and at many research community to develop
talent, expertise and ingenuity of a different levels – ranging from international links. In recognition
wide range of people – clinicians, Ph.D. students and postdoctoral of the fact that responsibility for
health professionals, scientists, fellows to investigators and training and career development
social scientists, epidemiologists, leaders. Between now and is shared and requires input
health economists, statisticians, 2020, we will continue to invest from many stakeholders, we will
and many others. As well as in excellent Ph.D. training work with the higher education
generating ideas and undertaking programmes, so as to attract the system in Ireland, as well as with
research, a highly skilled workforce best people into health research. the Health Service Executive and
will ensure that research and We will provide opportunities for professional training bodies, to
evidence are integrated into policy postdoctoral researchers and new develop a coordinated approach
and practice, thus improving investigators to continue their to building capacity in health
decision-making and, ultimately, research. research in Ireland.
health outcomes.26 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
Specific objectives
A.1 Attract the best people into health research by supporting excellent Ph.D.
training programmes.
Actions – Work with partners and other funders to expand and sustain
structured Ph.D. training in population health research and health
services research.
– Develop and implement a structured approach to Ph.D. training in
patient-oriented research.
Key – Number of Ph.D. students trained through multi-disciplinary
Performance structured programmes.
Indicators
A.2 Provide opportunities for career development for postdoctoral researchers
and emerging investigators.
Actions – Support existing interdisciplinary capacity enhancement awards
for postdoctoral researchers in population health and health
services research, and expand the scheme to include patient-
oriented research and/or translational medicine.
– Review and monitor support for postdoctoral researchers
through existing funding mechanisms.
– Ensure people in clinical positions are incentivised and facilitated
to engage in research.
– Work with higher education institutions and the health system to
establish an emerging investigator scheme that will enable mid-
career researchers to advance to senior investigator level and
become independent researchers.
Key – Number of people supported through HRB awards at
Performance postdoctoral level.
Indicators – Number of postdoctoral researchers trained in a multidisciplinary
environment.
– Number of new emerging investigators supported through
dedicated mechanisms.HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 27
A.3 Work with higher education institutions, hospital groups and the Health
Service Executive to identify, develop and support leaders in health research.
Actions – Support existing and additional cohorts of senior investigators.
– Explore mechanisms to promote and embed strategic research
leadership in the health system.
Key – Number of senior investigators supported through
Performance HRB awards.
Indicators – Number of HRB-supported senior investigators in
leadership positions.
A.4 Work with national and international partners to facilitate training and
exchange opportunities that address skills gaps.
Actions – Provide international mobility and exchange opportunities for
individual researchers.
– Support structured research skills development and training
through summer scholarships and through short courses or
workshops in targeted areas.
– Provide opportunities for recent graduates to develop research
and information management skills within the HRB as part of their
broader post-doctoral training.
Key – Number of exchanges supported at all levels of the career path.
Performance – Number of courses hosted, and level and type of participation.
Indicators
– Number of HRB interns given career-development opportunities.
Expected outcomes
• Strategic and coordinated approach to the production of a highly skilled
research workforce to ensure that research and evidence are integrated
into policy and practice.
• More people working in a healthcare setting are trained and active in
research, resulting in better quality care and outcomes and a more attractive
work environment.28 Research. Evidence. Action. HRB Strategy 2016-2020
5.5
Enabler B:
Build a strong enabling environment
Build a strong enabling environment for health research in Ireland
The environment for research Research today is an international Between now and 2020, the
in Ireland needs to be positive enterprise, and international HRB will provide the strategic
and supportive if health research collaboration delivers many leadership required to shape the
is to be translated effectively benefits to both research national health research agenda.
into societal and economic communities and individual We will continue to invest in the
benefits. The characteristics of countries. The HRB and its research infrastructure in order
a positive enabling environment international partners have much to promote excellence and critical
include good coordination to gain by working together mass, and improve coordination
between the healthcare system on regulatory and legislative across the system. At international
and industry; excellent facilities developments that impact level, we will continue to support
and infrastructure; appropriate on research. Moreover, an and encourage our research
systems for data management; increased focus on synergies community to participate in
regulatory and policy support; between European and national Horizon 2020 and other European
a coordinated and credible agencies makes it increasingly research programmes, and we
approach to establishing research important that the HRB aligns will continue to play our part in
priorities; and a culture that and coordinates its activities with European initiatives that influence
recognises patients and the those of its European partners. the environment for health
public as partners in the health research.
research process.
Specific objectives
B.1 Work with the Department of Health and key stakeholders to shape the national research
agenda in relation to health and social care.
Actions – Work with the Department of Health and key stakeholders to establish a process for
identifying and reviewing national research priorities.
– Champion the significance and relevance of public investment in health research in
the wider national research and innovation ecosystem, in order to deliver health,
societal and economic benefits.
– Promote the importance of research evidence and information in national
health strategies.
– Work with government departments and agencies to foster collaboration and
innovation, and to optimise the synergies and benefits of our collective investments
in research.
Key – System in place to engage with the Department of Health in relation to national
Performance health research priorities.
Indicators – National strategies are informed by best available evidence and include research
actions agreed with the HRB.
– Increased level of collaboration with other agencies, departments and NGOs.HRB Strategy 2016-2020 www.hrb.ie 29
B.2 Provide leadership to shape the review, conduct and governance of research.
Actions – Guide the development and adoption of best practice in policy
areas that are relevant to health research.
– Develop and promote public and patient involvement (PPI) within
the HRB and in HRB-supported projects and programmes.
– Ensure that HRB peer review and selection processes remain in
line with international best practice and continue to drive quality,
relevance and impact of HRB-funded research.
– Support effective management of the HRB portfolio of active
research awards in line with best practice processes and policies.
– Ensure that HRB award evaluation mechanisms and metrics
can effectively assess benefits, impacts and returns on HRB
investment and support strategic decision-making.
Key – Investment decisions informed by review and evaluation evidence.
Performance – Increased awareness and understanding of public and patient
Indicators involvement among stakeholders.
– HRB leads national discussion on a number of topics relevant to
research conduct, governance and evaluation.
B.3 Contribute to, and benefit from, international developments in policy,
regulation and legislation relevant to health research and healthcare
in Ireland.
Actions – Influence research-relevant policy, regulation and legislative
developments internationally by making submissions to, and/or
participating in, relevant European policy-focused organisations
and legislative bodies.
– Support the Department of Health to participate in the EU Public
Health Programme for policy development, and create awareness,
highlight funding opportunities and provide support to health
researchers to participate in this programme.
Key – Number of European health-relevant policy/legislative
Performance developments influenced to reflect Irish and HRB concerns.
Indicators – Level of participation in, and funding leveraged from, the EU
Public Health Programme by the Department of Health and
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