Office of Public Health Support

Research & Evaluation IHS Research Agenda 2003 This document summarizes research priorities for IHS in response to a request from HHS Research Coordination Council. It is a working document that may change with changing needs. Please consider for collaboration with other HHS agencies and contact Deborah Melton for assistance, at 301-443-2417 or dmelton@hqe.ihs.gov. Research Agenda 2003... [PDF-1.1MB] Funding Opportunities FY 2004 Funds for Research and Evaluation have been sent to all Areas with approved projects. Projects should begin and a progress report should be sent in by June 30, 2004. Send the reports to dmelton@hqe.ihs.gov. FY 2004 Abstracts [DOC-39KB] Announcement and Availability of FY 2005 Research and Evaluation Program Funds... [PDF-317KB] Evaluation Program Funding Options The evaluation program of the IHS is managed by the Office of Public Health, and is located as a component of the Office of Program Support. The Planning and Evaluation Staff provides national leadership and consultation for IHS and Area offices on strategic and tactical planning, program evaluation and assessment, public health and medical services, research agendas and special public health initiatives for the Agency. The Planning and Evaluation Staff serves as the principal advisory office on issues of national health policy and coordinates the following four evaluation functions. Health Program Evaluations - Collect and analyze information useful for assisting IHS officials in determining the need for improving existing programs or creating new programs to address health needs. Policy Analysis - Conduct analyses when a change in the IHS health service delivery system must be considered, when issues emerge in an area where no policy currently exists, or when current policies are perceived as inappropriate or ineffective. Health Services Research - Undertake analyses of the organization, financing, administration, effects, and other aspects of the IHS delivery of health services. Special Studies and Initiatives - Conduct studies and prepare special reports required by Congress in response to pending legislation or policies, often using a roundtable, whenever an issue or a health problem requires immediate action and it is unclear what type of action should be taken. The evaluation needs of the IHS service components are coordinated by the Planning and Evaluation Staff using two major types of short-term studies: policy assessments and program evaluation studies. The IHS policy assessments contribute to decision making about budget, legislation, and program modifications and include background information to support the Agency's initiatives. Evaluation studies are focused on the program level, or Area Offices, and focus on specific program needs. Each year the Planning and Evaluation Staff selects high-priority health care and management studies for funding through the submission of proposals to headquarters and Area Offices. These proposals are reviewed and rated by a panel of subject matter experts, evaluation experts, and IHS staff for concurrence with IHS strategic goals, objectives, and priority areas. The proposals are then prioritized and forwarded to the IHS Director, who reviews the projects that are recommended for funding and determine the respective funding levels.