The Challenges of Combining Clinical Work with Research in Bhutan: A Changing Status Quo

Abstract

Health research is imperative for continuously improving care, this is unquestionable. Knowing that research is costly and time consuming, can a country use the research findings from another country or does every country have to produce their own data? With the amount of studies published every day, it is essential for policy-makers and clinicians to have the knowledge and skills to identify reliable data that translates into evidence-based policies and practice. It is important to acknowledge when the findings identified by previous research can be applicable to another setting or population so that redundant research is avoided. Having said that, local data are needed for multiple purposes. To monitor progress made at a national level based on health indicators, to determine the burden of diseases and identify their characteristics, and to better describe local problems so that tailored solutions can be offered are some examples of why reliable local data are needed. ‘Because local health problems often require local solutions, each country should be a producer as well as a consumer of research’ reminded the WHO in 2013.