What researchers think about the health research system in Brazil: a pilot study

Abstract

This article presents the perception of researchers, formulators of science policy and users of research results regarding the operation of the health research system in Brazil. A survey was conducted through a probability sample of researchers and an intentional sample of (formulators of) science policy formulators and users of scientific knowledge as well. Only 17% of responders consider the country’s health research system as a good system, pointing out that the most relevant components are(:) the vision, a set of priorities and the guarantee of financial resources for the research. The components less valuable were : evaluation of the system itself, incorporation of results to the public policies and their dissemination to the public opinion. The main targets of the system must be: improvements in the population health, advancements in knowledge and promotion of equality. These responders would inject a greater proportion of resources in practices like induction for basic, epidemiological and clinical research. They appreciate current health problems, the persistent ones and the forecast of future problems, the service to vulnerable groups and also prevention and cure strategies for diseases as criteria for defining priorities. All opinions suffered some changes due to age groups, the responders’ position (researcher, manager, user) and area of expertise.