Supporting public health laboratory systems research.

摘要

In the earliest days of public health laboratories (PHLs) in the United States, many PHLs were actively engaged in research activities, most of which were either basic or applied in nature. Some state PHLs were active in the development of vaccines, while others were active in the development of diagnostic assays and procedures. Over time, much of this type of research migrated to academic institutions and the private sector. Now there is a renewed research role for PHLs in the area of systems and services research. While basic research is hypothesis-driven, systems and services research examines the organizations, financing, and delivery of public health services in communities, and assesses the impact of these services on public health.