gms | German Medical Science

Background and current state of research: Public Health and Health Systems Research (HSR) are scientific disciplines, which investigate the conditions and design of health care provision. In Germany, both disciplines coexist, whereby a clear differentiation of both research strands does not always seem possible. Internationally, the debate about the difference and the commonality of Public Health and HSR has grown strongly in the last years. However, in Germany, such a discussion has been limited so far [1], [2], [3], [4].

Question and objective, hypothesis: The aim of this study is to examine the desiderata of Public Health and HSR at different levels (international, European, German, and local) and to identify the delineations and commonalities of these areas. To achieve this, three theoretical frameworks (system theory [5], social constructivism [6], and critical theory [7]) are used to provide a comprehensive understanding of the desiderata and the complex interactions between them.

Methods: The study begins with a comprehensive review of existing definitions and conceptual frameworks for Public Health and HSR. This analysis is based on a Health Systems Mapping [8], which is developed using a mixed-methods approach. The mapping consists of three levels: international, European, and German. A fourth (local) level is added for the German context to address specific issues. The identified core documents of all four levels are then qualitatively thematically analyzed to identify and compare Public Health and HSR desiderata [9], [10].

Results: The results will be available until autumn 2023.

Discussion: The results of this study contribute to the debate on the necessity of a clear definition of Public Health and HSR, and critically examine how these two fields of study relate to each other in order to advance research in these areas and promote the development of targeted and effective interventions. The methodology of Health Systems Mapping offers potential to address such a question at different levels and can facilitate interdisciplinary research collaborations.

Implications for research: Firstly, the study's identification of the desiderata of Public Health and HSR at different levels can inform policy decisions and improve the overall quality of healthcare in Germany. Secondly, the study's use of interdisciplinary research collaborations through the methodology of Health Systems Mapping can enhance research in HSR in Germany. This approach facilitates collaborations between experts in different fields, promoting the sharing of ideas and knowledge, and contributing to a more comprehensive understanding of the health system in Germany. Thirdly, the study's critical examination of the relationship between Public Health and HSR can promote a more nuanced understanding of the two fields of study and better understand how the two fields of study can work together to advance research and improve healthcare in Germany.