The Coalition uses the following definition adopted by AcademyHealth:

Health services research is the multidisciplinary field of scientific investigation that studies how social factors, financing systems, organizational structures and processes, health technologies, and personal behaviors affect access to health care, the quality and cost of health care, and ultimately our health and well-being. Its research domains are individuals, families, organizations, institutions, communities, and populations.

The Coalition uses the following resources to educate stakeholders about the value and impact of health services research. Members of the health services research community are encouraged to use these messaging materials in their efforts to promote the field.

• Messaging Slide Pack: "Unlocking Secrets to Better Health Care"
• Building a Common Framework: A Toolkit for Voluntary Health Agencies
• HSR Awareness Campaign: "Connecting the Dots"
• National Library of Medicine's course "Introduction to HSR"
• National Library of Medicine's video on the history of HSR