Table 2 Top-ranked research questions: human resources for health, health systems financing and the non-state sector

1st

To what extent do financial and non-financial incentives work in attracting and retaining qualified health workers to under-serviced areas?

How do we develop and implement universal financial protection?

How can the government create a better environment to foster non-state providers in the achievement of health systems outcomes?

2nd

What is the impact of dual practice (i.e. practice by a single health care worker in both the public and the private sectors) and multiple employment? Are regulations on dual practice required, and if so how should they be designed and implemented?

What are the pros and cons of the different ways of identifying the poor?

What is the quality and/or coverage of health care services provided by the non-state sector for the poor?

3rd

How can financial and non-financial incentives be used to optimize efficiency and quality of health care?

To what extent do health benefits reach the poor?

What types of regulation can improve health systems outcomes, and under what conditions?

4th

What is the optimal mix of financial, regulatory and non-financial policies to improve distribution and retention of health workers?

What are the pros and cons of implementing demand-side subsidies?

How best to capture data and trends about private sector providers on a routine basis?

5th

What are the extent and effects of the out-migration of health workers and what can be done to mitigate problems of out-migration?

What is the equity impact of social health insurance and how can it be improved?

What are the costs and affordability of the non-state sector goods and services relative to the state sector? And to whom?