Abstract
Health research is an essential tool to improve health system and quality of life but it is costly. Therefore,
in a resource-limited country, it is necessary to better understand health research priority setting
processes in order to assist decision-makers in allocating funding and resources more effectively and
efficiently. This study aims to learn from the world’s experiences regarding health research prioritization for a better understanding in prioritization approaches and how to apply them for health research priority
setting in Thailand. The results of literature and document reviews from national and international databases
showed that there were 23 studies categorized into two Thai and 21 international studies. The major
criteria found in research priority setting were the specific areas of health research and those of the patient
groups. The lesson learned from this study provides evidence on what needs to be considered in order to
design for effective health research prioritization processes in Thailand. This study suggests that multiple
relevant stakeholders should be involved throughout the processes, prioritization criteria have to be clearly
set and identified, and the deliberative process is recommended.
