Applied research: building the evidence base for health sector development

Background: Over recent years there has been a growth of interest in applied research. With the continuing explosion in academically focused peer reviewed publishing, researchers have been forced to reconsider the relevance of their work and its relationship to key health sector developments. Contents: In this article we consider the nature of applied research - how does it differ from pure research, translational research, action research and/or monitoring and evaluation? We present a case study example drawn from a currently active area of applied research. We consider the fundamental questions that have to be considered by applied researchers - How can they retain methodological rigour?; Does he who pays the piper unduly call the tune?; Is the 'opportunism' of applied research compatible with ethical considerations? Is an academic environment the most appropriate one in which to undertake applied research? Conclusions: The need for applied research has never been more pressing; yet executing it has never been more problematic. Notwithstanding the methodological and practical problems encountered, we argue that it plays a vital role in the development of health systems and of health systems researchers.