Research Priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in 2017: Application of Essential National Health Research (ENHR)

Background and Objectives: Prioritizing the list of required research, taking into account the real needs and problems of the health sector, provides a ground for justice; strengthens the link between research, action, and policy; and addresses the needs of vulnerable groups. The present study was done to formulate research priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences using the opinions of experts in the field of health as a positive step towards proper allocation of research resources of the University to solve the problem.   Methods: In this study, the research priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences in 13 domains during 2017 were ranked using 10 standard criteria according to the Essential National Health Research (ENHR) approach.   Results: Forty inter and intra beneficiaries were participated in this study. During the sessions, using group training techniques (brain storming), the topics were discussed, resulting in identifying 122 topics in 13 domains. In each of these domains, top 10 topics with the highest ranks were determined as the research priorities of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences.   Conclusion: Determination of research priorities at a provincial level based on the ENHR approach was conducted in Hamadan University of Medical Sciences with the cooperation of all health stakeholders for the first time. The result of this study will play an important role in optimum use of resources of the research and technology domain of Hamadan University of Medical Sciences by directing research projects according to the identified priorities.