Research aims to find out new knowledge that could lead to changes to health treatments, policies or care. In Health and Social Care Research studies can range from medical, diagnostic, pharmaceutical, bio-tech, social care or looking at healthy populations or people with social care needs. When research outcomes demonstrates a better way of delivering patient care or services it can translate into better practice.
Research can be funded through the NHS research arm called the National Institute of Health Research (NIHR), commercial organisations (for example, drug companies), universities, research councils, health organisations and charities.