Background: Policy decisions derived from accurate, valid and consistent research is an essential component of successful health policy. The identification of lacking research knowledge within a policy occurs during effective policy development processes. Integrating the scheme of systematic reviews with health policy development processes is critical so key decisions during the development of health policy are derived from research.

Objective: The objective is to create an integrative process incorporating systematic reviews effectively with policy development processes. This process is to consider the mechanical, sociological, psychological and cultural aspects of this specific policy and research link.

Methods: The justification of critical mechanical, psychological, sociological and cultural processes necessary for the effective integration of systematic reviews with health policy development processes; and the synergistic evaluation of these processes, against the standards demonstrating effective 'bridging' health policy with health research.

Results: An effective integrative process of systematic reviews with health policy development processes involves:

a) Policy-makers accurately identifying research knowledge needed for specific policy decisions to be accurate, precise, valid and reliable.
b) Policy-makers and systematic reviewers i) knowing the processes and 'work-culture' of both these arenas; 2) having the opportunities to develop a working relationship based on trust, and 3) meeting and communicating at the critical processes during the policy development cycle.
c) At the critical policy development processes the research-knowledge-needs of a particular policy is documented, by the policy-maker, and understood by the systematic reviewer.
d) Accurate, precise, valid and reliable research reviews are available for use in the policy development processes.
e) Policy-makers and systematic reviewers 1) both provide consecutive leadership throughout their interaction, 2) continually improving their i) intellectual skills of thinking critically, holistically, analytically, synergistically and inquisitively; ii) mechanistic skills of writing, project management, supervision, team work and inter,intra organisational awareness; and iii) micro, macro communication and leadership skills.

Conclusions: Integration of systematic reviews with health policy processes requires specific integrative processes. Infrastructure, policy-research 'bridging' processes, communication, trust, culture awareness and professional skills are necessary for policy to be involved in the systematic reviews scheme producing successful public health policy