Health services research is a field of inquiry using quantitative or qualitative methodology to examine the impact of the organization, financing and management of health care services on the access to, delivery, cost, outcomes and quality of services.
The goal of health services research is to apply valid and reliable methods to improve health care outcomes with regard to access, cost, and utilization. A major focus of health services research is to implement and test new methods of care to improve the health and quality of life of chronic care patients, particularly as the population ages.