Innovation in the Research Funding Process
Peer Review Alternatives and Adaptations
Published in: Academy Health (November 2019)
Posted on RAND.org on November 21, 2019
Like many fields, health services research relies on peer review to assure rigor and relevance. However, evidence demonstrates that the current approach is time-consuming for both researchers and reviewers, has limited power to predict research outcomes, and is subject to conservatism, inconsistent results, and potential bias. Lotteries, self-review, open peer review, innovation prizes, and other approaches have emerged as potential alternatives, but each of these options comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
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