Background: As part of a larger research project, we are providing a knowledge translation service to National Health Service (NHS) decision-makers in the Leeds-Bradford area of England, translating existing sources of synthesised and quality-assessed evidence, primarily systematic reviews, into actionable messages. The service is particularly aimed at commissioners of healthcare services but in principle could cover a wide range of decisions in clinical effectiveness and service delivery and organisation.

Methods: We developed a framework for production of evidence briefings based on a scoping review of existing resources (recently published in the Milbank Quarterly) and our experience of evaluating the evidence base on models of service provision for young people with eating disorders. Where appropriate, we drew on the SUPPORT tools for evidence-informed policymaking.

Results: The framework assumes that briefings will be produced in response to decision-makersá requests and that the process will involve active collaboration between decision-makers and researchers. It covers development of the research question (including a checklist to be completed at an initial meeting); identification of relevant systematic reviews and economic evidence; relating the evidence to the local setting; and consideration of issues of health equity and implementation of any changes to practice or service delivery. Evaluation of use, usefulness, and impact is an important part of the process. Results and implications for further development and research will be presented at the Colloquium.

Conclusions: Production of evidence briefings is labour-intensive but appears promising for increasing the impact of systematic reviews and promoting evidence-informed decision-making. Development of a standard approach, together with a more centralised provision of this type of service, could offer economies of scale and make use of national expertise to support the needs of decision-makers at the local level.