primary research

Related concept: secondary research. Syn.: primary study, original study. An investigation in which the data are collected for the first time directly from patients (randomized controlled trial, observational study, case series, etc.). Note: The term “primary research” is often used to distinguish this type of research from “secondary research,” which is synthesis research (re-analysis of previously collected data), meta-analyses and other ways of combining studies (such as economic analysis and decision analysis).


and • provides information on costs and financial impact. Note 2: The report may optionally discuss organisational considerations. Note 3: A “mini-HTA” may be as rigorous as an HTA report but typically has a restricted scope and so is quicker to produce. Note 4: Related terms include health technology, HTA report, rapid review, level of evidence