Increasing value and reducing waste in research: Towards an evidence-based research approach

Article type
Authors
Beller E1, Blaine C2, Westmore M3, Yost J4, Lund H5, Lund H6, Bogh Juhl C
1Bond University
2BMJ
3NIHR
4McMaster University
5Western Norway University of Applied Science, Centre for Evidence Based Practice
6Western Norway University of Applied Sciences
Abstract
Objectives:
The aim of this session is to further initiatives towards reducing waste in research, such as the REWARD Alliance and the EBRNetwork. More specifically:

Participants will enhance their knowledge and understanding of research waste and evidence-based research. Participants will contribute to the long-term vision of how to reduce research waste and promote evidence-based research. Participants will identify opportunities to become involved in strategies to reduce research waste and promote evidence-based research. Participants will understand the role all stakeholder groups play in reducing research waste and promoting evidence-based research.Description:
The REWARD Alliance identified that 85% of research is wasted, usually because it asks the wrong questions, is badly designed, not published, and/or poorly reported. In turn, this diminishes the value of research and represents an important financial loss. A first step towards increasing the value of research and reducing waste is to monitor the issues, raise awareness of these, and develop and implement solutions. The EBRNetwork was established to address the issues around initiating new research and putting new results into context.

The network advocates for the following principles:

No new research studies without prior systematic review of existing evidence.Efficient production, updating and accessibility of systematic reviews.