A framework for assessing the impact of health research from a broad population perspective

Background: research in the health sector is an activity associated with an uncertain return on investment. This study aims to outline a multidimensional framework for assessing the impact of research funded by public (or mixed public and private) sponsors. Methods: a focus group representing different stakeholders was created to develop a sense of purpose that would be shared by the intended beneficiaries of the research assessment process, and others with a direct or indirect interest in a program’s implementation. Results: a framework was designed that takes a holistic approach to the impact of research in which not only technical, but also economic, social and political dimensions are interrelated with the results achieved for the population and health services. Conclusions: the framework reflected the views of different stakeholders, favoring the development of the positive, proactive relationships essential to orienting the process of transforming the evidence emerging from research into action for health.