Study On A Small Grant Management And Its Improvement Strategy In A Tertiary Grade-A Specialized Hospital

BackgroundWith the progress of China’s reform, great importance has been attached to scientific research. National, provincial or military research management departments have all established foundations to support scientific research; rules and policies have also been enforced to regulate the operation of the foundations. This is known as Scientific Research Fund System, which constitutes the major investment that the government makes to achieve its scientific and technological advancements. Whether the medical institutions can secure funding often serves as an important barometer to gauge their scientific research ability, general competence as well as their management level.In an attempt to motivate the staff and faculty working with the medical institutions to apply for bureau level, provincial and national, funding, many medical institutions have established research foundations accordingly with an aim to fund research as well as to prepare a project bank. Hence it is crucial to systematically manage the institution-level research foundation to maximize its efficiency and realize its intended functions.Science and Technology Development Fund of Shanghai Chest Hospital has been successfully managed and operated for 8 consecutive years. A total of 247 research projects have been supported by the foundation, which has proven to be a significant pathway to enable the researchers working with the hospital to carry out their research. The intended purpose of the foundation has already been realized, nevertheless, the supervision and management of the research projects are yet to be enhanced. This paper will focus on the cost-efficiency of the foundation management itself with an aim to incrementally improve the efficiency of research funding by means of planning, organizing, monitoring, evaluating and collecting feedback.PurposesThe paper aims to analyze quantitatively and qualitatively the science and technology research fund in Shanghai Chest Hospital and explore the status and effect evaluation of the fund. The paper also explores the existing problems and the main causes. And,the related countermeasures and suggestions are proposed in the paper.MethodsThe related domestic and international papers and research reports were collected and analyzed. The organizational framework and management model of several domestic and international scientific research funds which are running well were collected and analyzed. The category, field, investigators, amount, time limit, results, the use of funds, and achievements of the funds between 2004 and 2011 were colleted and analyzed. Based on the control regulations, applications, research progresses, final reports, questionnaire survey, interview with the key persons, the overall operation of the sample funds were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively.ResultsResearch on standardization management experience of domestic and international research fund shows that, the organizational framework of one running-well research fund should includes board of directors, expert committee and full-time management team. It should have clear management goal, development strategy compatible with the target and the long term planning which directs the future of the next 5-10 year. It also should establish strict management regulations to guarantee high quality, efficient, and orderly operation of the fund. The management model should include information release, writing and submitting application form, project review and approval, the signing of the contract, process management and project quality control, budget supervision, management and promotion of research output.The operation status of the sample funds:total funding:1.8695 million,247 projects; 30 projects per year and about 7,500 yuan for each project. The funding ratio and funding budget have little change during the 8 years. The majority of investigators are from clinical departments.175 projects (70.85% of 247) have finished.143 papers have been published, which included core journals, SCI papers, reviews, conference documents, chapters and sections of books, final reports.10 projects outside Shanghai Chest Hospital were also funded. The majority of investigators accepted the fund operation situation. More than 80% of investigators agreed that the project was important or very important for the cultivation of their scientific research. The projects basically achieve their goals.Based on the organizational framework and management model comparison of the sample funds with the domestic and international running-well funds, we found:the sample funds have basic organizational frameworks, the management models undergo the ongoing exploration and attempt and became better and better. With the help of investigators survey and the interviews with the key persons, we found the following problems:1. The structure of the organization is loose, the lack of long-term development planning.2. Not enough money and time limit, unable to meet the needs of researchers 3. The young man’s support is not enough, which is due to the lack of organizational aim.4. The application submission is with nonstandard forms. It is helpless for the project quantity and the researchers.5. Lack of achievement promotion measures and inadequate mastery of the late management of the funds.SuggestionsBased on the aforementioned findings, this study suggests that:1. To improve the organizational framework, clarify the organizational objectives, and develop a timeline for the medium-term development plan.2. To establish a complete tender bidding protocol and more open fair project review.3. To increase the amount of funding, clarify the priorities and to give more chance to young researchers.4. To establish a system to promote the scientific research findings.