[Memorandum III: "Methods for Health Services Research" (Part 1)]

The methodical quality of health services research studies is often subject to criticism. Common standards in the field of health services research have been lacking so far. Hence, the German Network Health Services Research [Deutsches Netzwerk Versorgungsforschung e.V. (DNVF e.V.)] decided to contribute to improve this situation. On 1 July 2009, the DNVF e.V. approved the Memorandum III "Methods for Health Services Research", supported by the member societies mentioned as authors. For the three subject areas "Epidemiological Methods for Health Services Research", "Methods for Organisational Health Services Research" and "Methods for Quality of Life Research", this Memorandum describes the methodological principles and minimum standards which should be adhered to when conducting and publishing health services research studies. Three in-depth publications focussing on the three mentioned topics will be published in the next issues of this journal. This memorandum is intended for health services researchers who are planning, conducting and publishing studies as well as for reviewers who evaluate research proposals and publications on health services research studies. In accord with the expected advances in knowledge in health services research, it is planned to update the Memorandum III (part 1) at appropriate intervals and to publish part 2 in the near future. Thus, the Memorandum has to be considered as work in progress.