IPHRS, Slovenia

Generalisability - is the degree to which the results of a study or systematic review can be extrapolated to other circumstances, in particular to routine health care situations. Measurements can be used for different purposes. The same measurements will be used for introduction of new programmes or new technologies, such as equipment, medical-technical devices and pharmaceuticals, for extension of the current programmes and treatments (as well as reduction of waiting periods) and organisational and other changes in the health care system. In controlled clinical trials some research or introduction of new pharmaceuticals or technologies might look efficient; however it may not be when applied to real life, with no control and different knowledge of staff having to deal with other factors. And if the study is transferable with no major problems, the degree of generalisability is high.

Transferability - The ability to use knowledge appropriately and fruitfully in a new or different context from that in which it was initially learned. For example, the new technological solution can be applied to other hospitals in the country or even into other countries.