There is inconsistent use of research evidence in policy agenda setting, choice and implementation. This is significant because policymakers make decisions about which programs, services and drugs to provide or cover, how to get these programs, services and drugs to those who need them, and how to strengthen health systems generally. Failures to find, use and contextualize the many types of research evidence needed in each step of policy agenda setting, choice and implementation can have negative consequences for citizens, patients, providers and the health system. The Cochrane Collaboration produces large numbers of reviews of effects that have tremendous potential to inform policy agenda setting, choice and implementation and its contributors could benefit from an understanding about how to better contextualize and support the use of their work in the policymaking process. Dr.John Laviswill speak on the policymaking process, types of decisions and options for supporting the use of Cochrane reviews and other types of research evidence. Pierre Dagenaiswill discuss using Cochrane reviews and other types of research evidence to support decision makingabout health technologies. Lastly Mathieu Ouimetwill elaborate on selecting, assessing and packaging research evidence to support policymaking. There will be time at the end for questions and discussion with the delegates attending this session.

Target audience and level of expertise: Researchers interested in supporting evidence-informed policymaking, as well as health system policymakers and stakeholders. No past experience needed.