Rachel Saunders Higgins

Back to MSc Alumni

Country: Ireland
Background: Social Studies
Research Project: Is the “Bias Free” Framework a useful tool for uncovering biases deriving from social hierarchies in a research priority setting process that uses tools such as the Global Forum for Health Research combined approach matrix (CAM) methodology?

BACKGROUND: With health research evolving constantly worldwide, it has come to light that research priority setting process is an essential tool to conduct which specific areas of health research is a priority. Today, there are many different varieties of non-dominant groups which are often eliminated or not seen as a priority for research not just in the field of health. This study focuses on two main tool frameworks which exists for research; that of Combined Approach Matrix and BIAS FREE Framework, both which have been developed by Global Forum for Health Research Geneva, Switzerland. 

METHODOLOGY: Reviewing both tool frameworks developed by the Global Forum for Health Research; 1)The Combined Approach Matrix; a priority-setting tool for health research and 2) The BIAS FREE Framework; a practical tool for identifying and eliminating social biases in health research as well as conducting  qualitative questionnaires to researchers worldwide who have used the CAM methodology in their research.

RESULTS: The study involved participants from different countries worldwide. The findings from the two main research tools; the CAM and BIAS FREE and the questionnaires indicated some main themes such as bias that influenced the process of priority settings in health research.

CONCLUSION: With the increasing population in today’s world, there is an importance to recognise the need to prioritise groups for health research, in order to carry out specified research to gain positive outcomes for both researchers, marginalized groups and to different stakeholders in the field of health and health research for past, present and the future.

Keywords: Combined Approach Matrix, BIAS FREE Framework, health research, priority research settings