Health services research is a multidisciplinary scientific endeavor that studies and generates knowledge to facilitate improved translation of medical discoveries into practice to improve the health of patients and the public. Health services research seeks to identify the most effective ways to organize, manage, finance, and deliver high-quality care This, in turn, requires scientific understanding of behavioral, psychological, structural, organizational, social, and political factors that affect access to and effective and efficient delivery of quality, cost-effective health care to improve quantity and quality of life. Health services research examines individual, family, organizational, institutional, community, and population level factors that affect health behaviors and outcomes. Grounded in theory, the goal of health services research is to generate knowledge to inform and guide decision-makers and those responsible for delivering health care. Thus, health services research examines the trade-offs among health-care benefits, risks, and costs; factors influencing access to and adoption of medical and health-care interventions; and the impact of alternative care strategies on a broad range of health outcomes, including morbidity, mortality, and quality of life. The goal is to inform clinicians, institutions, and systems to improve the quality of the medical care they provide and, thereby, improve patient care and enhance individual health and the health of the public.