Background of IHSR
Health Systems Research is a field of research that focuses on the functions of the system, which comprises of individual units, organisations and institutions or the complex inter-link between organisations and the health system as a whole. It provides scientific evidence to policy-makers and health managers, to enable them to make evidence-based decision-making on health matters.
To address the gap in health systems research in Malaysia, IHSR was initiated as a Unit within the Institute of Public Health (IPH) before expanding into a Division. It was subsequently established as an independent Institute in November 2002. Previously, it was located within the IPH until April 2005 when it acquired its own premises.
The Institute consists of 6 Centres, namely Centre for Health Outcomes Research (CHOR), Centre for Health Equity Research (CHER), Centre for Healthcare Quality Research (CHQR), Center for Health Economics Research (CHEeR), Centre for Health Policy Research (CHPR), and Centre for Health Services Research (CHSR).
IHSR is one of the Institutes under the umbrella of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The Institute was designated as the WHO Collaborating Centre for Health Systems Research in 1988 and has been re-designated every four years. In 2001 it had received additional recognition with its appointment as the WHO Collaborating Centre for HSR and Quality Improvement (QI). The current designation period is for 2022-2025.
This recognition subsequently led to the placement of the National Quality Assurance Secretariat for the MOH QA Programmes within this Institute. As the Secretariat, its major responsibility is to function as the coordinating centre for the development of Quality Assurance Programmes in Health Ministry. In September 2010, the Institute received accreditation for MS ISO 9001:2008 and upgraded to MS ISO 9001:2015 in December 2017 for its efforts in improving quality in its core business of research, consultancy and training.
The Institute plays a part in facilitating the decision-making process at various levels, in particular at policy level within and outside the Health Ministry. IHSR aspires to strengthen this role through building its capacity and capability in knowledge translation (KT), making KT the two-way exchange medium for researchers and other parties to apply the knowledge further.
Vision & Mission
Vision of National Institutes of Health (NIH)
Mission of NIH
- To conduct effective and high impact health related research, training and consultancy to improve quality of life.
- Govern and manage research in the country to address national health priorities.
Who We Are
Goal
Objective
Client Charter
- Engaging the relevant stakeholders throughout the duration of research project.
- Striving to develop new subject matters experts in areas of expertise.
- Conducting a follow-up assessment within 6 months after every training and consultation.
- Helping clients' organisation and their public relations to work effectively & productively together to produce high quality research.
- Responding to inquiries in a timely manner.
Our Organisation
- Intensify, coordinate and conduct research as well as using research findings in policy areas and analysis related to organisational management and health services effectiveness.
- Implement policy assessments and health policy using research methods and strategies to improve health systems effectiveness.
- Conduct research on health governance to improve health systems effectiveness.
- Produce methods and strategies to facilitate the decision-making process.
- Strengthen and facilitate the process of translating research findings into health policies.
- Provide training, technical advice and consultancy services to agencies/individuals regarding policy research and health policy analysis.
Our Aspiration & Approach
Our Aspirations
- To increase the Institute's capacity and capability in the field of Health Policy and Systems Research and knowledge translation
- To strengthen alliances to enhance the Institute's roles and functions
- To promote and advocate translation of knowledge (the use of evidence) through various communication/interaction channels/platforms
- To brand and promote IHSR and its products
Our Approach
- Collaborating with our stakeholders on the design and delivery of evidence
- Identifying issues around the health systems and researching into their needs
- Delivering our research methodology training programs to a diverse range of health professionals
Our Values
- Integrity : Our integrity is the main ingredient in building up the credibility of the institute.
- Teamwork : We strive to exchange ideas, share responsibilities and work hand-in-hand to produce outstanding products.
- Proactive : We are committed in addressing our client’s needs and act upon emerging issues in health policy and systems research.
- Dedication : We devote our total effort and energy to fulfil our potential
