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Wolfenden L, Mooney K, Gonzalez S, Hall A, Hodder R, Nathan N, Yoong S, Ditton E, Sutherland R, Lecathelinais C, McCrabb S. Increased use of knowledge translation strategies is associated with greater research impact on public health policy and practice: an analysis of trials of nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, tobacco, alcohol and substance use interventions. Health Res Policy Syst 2022; 20:15. [PMID: 35101044 PMCID: PMC8805264 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00817-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Greater use of knowledge translation (KT) strategies is recommended to improve the research impact of public health trials. The purpose of this study was to describe (1) the research impact of setting-based public health intervention trials on public health policy and practice; (2) the association between characteristics of trials and their research impact on public health policy and practice; and (3) the association between the use of KT strategies and research impacts on public health policy and practice. METHODS We conducted a survey of authors of intervention trials targeting nutrition, physical activity, sexual health, tobacco, alcohol or substance use. We assessed the use of KT strategies aligned to domains of the Knowledge-To-Action Framework. We defined "research impact" on health policy and practice as any one or more of the following: citation in policy documents or announcements, government reports, training materials, guidelines, textbooks or court rulings; or endorsement by a (non)governmental organization; use in policy or practice decision-making; or use in the development of a commercial resource or service. RESULTS Of the included trials, the authors reported that 65% had one or more research impacts. The most frequently reported research impact was citation in a policy document or announcement (46%). There were no significant associations between the effectiveness of the intervention, trial risk of bias, setting or health risk and trial impact. However, for every one unit increase in the total KT score (range 0-8), reflecting greater total KT activity, the odds of a health policy or practice research impact increased by approximately 30% (OR = 1.30, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.66; p = 0.031). Post hoc examination of KT domain scores suggests that KT actions focused on providing tailored support to facilitate program implementation and greater use of research products and tools to disseminate findings to end-users may be most influential in achieving impact. CONCLUSIONS Trials of public health interventions frequently have public health impacts, and the use of more comprehensive KT strategies may facilitate greater research impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Wolfenden
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia.
- Hunter New England Population Health, Locked Bag 10, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia.
| | - Kaitlin Mooney
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia
| | - Sharleen Gonzalez
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia
| | - Alix Hall
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Locked Bag 10, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Rebecca Hodder
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia
| | - Nicole Nathan
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia
| | - Serene Yoong
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia
| | - Elizabeth Ditton
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Rachel Sutherland
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia
- Hunter New England Population Health, Locked Bag 10, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
| | - Christophe Lecathelinais
- Hunter New England Population Health, Locked Bag 10, Hunter New England Local Health District, Wallsend, NSW, 2287, Australia
| | - Sam McCrabb
- School of Medicine and Public Health, Faculty of Health and Medicine, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, 2318, Australia
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Tiwari BB, Ban A, Gurung S, Karki KB. Translating evidence into policy: opinions and insights of Health Researchers and Policymakers in Nepal. BMC Health Serv Res 2021; 21:1066. [PMID: 34625071 PMCID: PMC8501615 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-021-07102-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The Evidence-Based Policymaking (EBP) process in Nepal is rife with poor practices where often policymakers are portrayed as perpetrators for such practices. However, we need to think of the EBP as a two-sided coin where both research pull and research push play equally significant roles. This study aimed to assess the perception of Nepalese health policymakers and researchers on EBP and identify appropriate mechanisms to integrate evidence into policies. METHODS Following the constructivist philosophical paradigm, qualitative research design was used in the study with the grounded theory approach. Purposive sampling was performed, and the 12 in-depth interviews were conducted, where number of interviews was finalized using saturation theory. All interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, translated to English, coded line by line, and then developed into themes. Thematic analysis technique was used to manually analyze the data. RESULTS Study participants highlighted that evidence is being utilized during policy formulation but not in the amount it should be, with a preference for anecdotal evidence further reducing the chance. Apart from these barriers, poor credibility of information obtained, poorly targeted dissemination, inadequate policy-based researches, and policymakers and researchers operating within the spheres of their own with a feeble link to channel the flow of information between them were identified by participants. On the other hand, the publication of one-pager research brief, conduction of nationally representative surveys especially quantitative studies, the practice of cost-effectiveness study, and policymaker's involvement during the research were some facilitators identified. CONCLUSIONS Moreover, the study accentuates that better communication strategies such as the establishment of formal forums with policymakers and researchers, better-targeted dissemination, and identification of priority areas have wide potential to promote a unified front of health policymakers and researchers for EBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplav Babu Tiwari
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus (MMC), Institute of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University (TU), Kathmandu, Nepal. .,College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia.
| | - Anusha Ban
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus (MMC), Institute of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University (TU), Kathmandu, Nepal.,College for Public Health and Social Justice, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis, USA
| | - Sony Gurung
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus (MMC), Institute of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University (TU), Kathmandu, Nepal.,College of Public Health, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Khem Bahadur Karki
- Maharajgunj Medical Campus (MMC), Institute of Medicine (IOM), Tribhuvan University (TU), Kathmandu, Nepal
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Scientific Development of HTA—A Proposal by the Health Technology Assessment International Scientific Development and Capacity Building Committee. Int J Technol Assess Health Care 2019; 35:263-265. [DOI: 10.1017/s0266462319000539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AbstractObjectivesTo report from the Scientific Development and Capacity Building Committee of Health Technology Assessment International (HTAi) on activities that are being undertaken within HTAi regarding the promotion of scientific rigor in the field of health technology assessment (HTA).MethodsRetrieval of definitions of HTA that the SDCB committee considered reflective of the current practice of HTA, followed by a narrative synthesis of the core components of HTA.ResultsSeveral definitions of HTA have been provided, all sharing the notion that HTA is the formal, systematic, and transparent inquiry into the meaning and value, broadly defined, of health technologies, when used in specific patient populations.Many frameworks and tools have been developed for assessing the quality of specific tasks that may be conducted in the context of HTA. Collating such frameworks and tools is likely to be helpful in developing standards and in providing guidance as to how the scientific quality of HTA may be secured. Two current trends in HTA were noted: a stronger health systems focus, and the need to involve stakeholders throughout the HTA process. A wider systems’ perspective requires that plausible alternative scenarios are being developed, and wide consultation of various stakeholders is a prerequisite to the development of such scenarios with data from various sources.ConclusionsCurrent trends in HTA will lead to different demands on the HTA expert. The task of this emerging policy professional would be not just to provide technical information for problem-solving, but also to combine it with a new function of facilitating public deliberation and learning.
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Malla C, Aylward P, Ward P. Knowledge translation for public health in low- and middle- income countries: a critical interpretive synthesis. Glob Health Res Policy 2018; 3:29. [PMID: 30377666 PMCID: PMC6196454 DOI: 10.1186/s41256-018-0084-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Effective knowledge translation allows the optimisation of access to and utilisation of research knowledge in order to inform and enhance public health policy and practice. In low- and middle- income countries, there are substantial complexities that affect the way in which research can be utilised for public health action. This review attempts to draw out concepts in the literature that contribute to defining some of the complexities and contextual factors that influence knowledge translation for public health in low- and middle- income countries. Methods A Critical Interpretive Synthesis was undertaken, a method of analysis which allows a critical review of a wide range of heterogeneous evidence, through incorporating systematic review methods with qualitative enquiry techniques. A search for peer-reviewed articles published between 2000 and 2016 on the topic of knowledge translation for public health in low- and middle – income countries was carried out, and 85 articles were reviewed and analysed using this method. Results Four main concepts were identified: 1) tension between ‘global’ and ‘local’ health research, 2) complexities in creating and accessing evidence, 3) contextualising knowledge translation strategies for low- and middle- income countries, and 4) the unique role of non-government organisations in the knowledge translation process. Conclusion This method of review has enabled the identification of key concepts that may inform practice or further research in the field of knowledge translation in low- and middle- income countries. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s41256-018-0084-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Malla
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Paul Aylward
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia 5042 Australia
| | - Paul Ward
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Sturt Road, Bedford Park, Adelaide, South Australia 5042 Australia
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McLean RKD, Graham ID, Tetroe JM, Volmink JA. Translating research into action: an international study of the role of research funders. Health Res Policy Syst 2018; 16:44. [PMID: 29793541 PMCID: PMC5968540 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-018-0316-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background It is widely accepted that research can lead to improved health outcomes. However, translating research into meaningful impacts in peoples’ lives requires actions that stretch well beyond those traditionally associated with knowledge creation. The research reported in this manuscript provides an international review of health research funders’ efforts to encourage this process of research uptake, application and scaling, often referred to as knowledge translation. Methods We conducted web-site review, document review and key informant interviews to investigate knowledge translation at 26 research funding agencies. The sample comprises the regions of Australia, Europe and North America, and a diverse range of funder types, including biomedical, clinical, multi-health domain, philanthropic, public and private organisations. The data builds on a 2008 study by the authors with the same international sample, which permitted longitudinal trend analysis. Results Knowledge translation is an objective of growing significance for funders across each region studied. However, there is no clear international consensus or standard on how funders might support knowledge translation. We found that approaches and mechanisms vary across region and funder type. Strategically tailored funding opportunities (grants) are the most prevalent modality of support. The most common funder-driven strategy for knowledge translation within these grants is the linking of researchers to research users. Funders could not to provide empirical evidence to support the majority of the knowledge translation activities they encourage or undertake. Conclusions Knowledge translation at a research funder relies on context. Accordingly, we suggest that the diversity of approaches uncovered in our research is fitting. We argue that evaluation of funding agency efforts to promote and/or support knowledge translation should be prioritised and actioned. It is paradoxical that funders’ efforts to get evidence into practice are not themselves evidence based.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K D McLean
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa. .,Policy and Evaluation Division, International Development Research Centre, Ottawa, Canada.
| | - Ian D Graham
- School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada.,Centre for Practice Changing Research, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
| | | | - Jimmy A Volmink
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, South Africa
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Uneke CJ, Sombie I, Keita N, Lokossou V, Johnson E, Ongolo-Zogo P. Improving maternal and child health policymaking processes in Nigeria: an assessment of policymakers' needs, barriers and facilitators of evidence-informed policymaking. Health Res Policy Syst 2017; 15:48. [PMID: 28722554 PMCID: PMC5516839 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-017-0217-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Nigeria, interest in the evidence-to-policy process is gaining momentum among policymakers involved in maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH). However, numerous gaps exist among policymakers on use of research evidence in policymaking. The objective of this study was to assess the perception of MNCH policymakers regarding their needs and the barriers and facilitators to use of research evidence in policymaking in Nigeria. METHODS The study design was a cross-sectional assessment of perceptions undertaken during a national MNCH stakeholders' engagement event convened in Abuja, Nigeria. A questionnaire designed to assess participants' perceptions was administered in person. Group consultations were also held, which centred on policymakers' evidence-to-policy needs to enhance the use of evidence in policymaking. RESULTS A total of 40 participants completed the questionnaire and participated in the group consultations. According to the respondents, the main barriers to evidence use in MNCH policymaking include inadequate capacity of organisations to conduct policy-relevant research; inadequate budgetary allocation for policy-relevant research; policymakers' indifference to research evidence; poor dissemination of research evidence to policymakers; and lack of interaction fora between researchers and policymakers. The main facilitators of use of research evidence for policymaking in MNCH, as perceived by the respondents, include capacity building for policymakers on use of research evidence in policy formulation; appropriate dissemination of research findings to relevant stakeholders; involving policymakers in research design and execution; and allowing policymakers' needs to drive research. The main ways identified to promote policymakers' use of evidence for policymaking included improving policymakers' skills in information and communication technology, data use, analysis, communication and advocacy. CONCLUSION To improve the use of research evidence in policymaking in Nigeria, there is a need to establish mechanisms that will facilitate the movement from evidence to policy and address the needs identified by policymakers. It is also imperative to improve organisational initiatives that facilitate use of research evidence for policymaking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chigozie J Uneke
- Knowledge Translation Platform, African Institute for Health Policy & Health Systems, Ebonyi State University, PMB 053, Abakaliki, Nigeria.
| | - Issiaka Sombie
- West African Health Organisation, 175 avenue Ouezzin Coulibaly, 01 BP 153, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Namoudou Keita
- West African Health Organisation, 175 avenue Ouezzin Coulibaly, 01 BP 153, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Virgil Lokossou
- West African Health Organisation, 175 avenue Ouezzin Coulibaly, 01 BP 153, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Ermel Johnson
- West African Health Organisation, 175 avenue Ouezzin Coulibaly, 01 BP 153, Bobo-Dioulasso 01, Burkina Faso
| | - Pierre Ongolo-Zogo
- Hopital Central Yaounde, CDBPH Lawrence VERGNE Building 2nd Floor, Avenue Henry Dunant Messa, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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