Engaging decision makers in using review evidence

Article type
Authors
Murray P1, Hanratty J1, Welch V2
1Campbell Centre UK and Ireland, Queen's University Belfast
2Campbell Collaboration
Abstract
Background:
In the era of post-truth and scepticism of ‘experts’ it is more and more important that we no longer accept passively that research evidence 'speaks for itself'. Our goal is to help patients, patient advocates, review authors and managers to understand the policy and decision making process better and the role that evidence plays. The workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to draft their own plan to speak for their evidence.

Objectives:
Firstly, participants will gain a better understanding of how policy decisions are made, the role of evidence and the emerging evidence architecture across a range of sectors. Secondly, participants will identify key decision makers relevant to their situation and learn about different ways to communicate their research to make it useful. Participants will leave with a draft plan for engaging and informing decision makers about evidence from systematic reviews.

Description:
This workshop will focus on how to speak for your evidence and engage with decision makers, using a mixture of illustrative examples and practical activities for participants. The workshop is led by Paul Murray and Jennifer Hanratty of Campbell UK & Ireland and Howard White and Vivian Welch of the Campbell Secretariat. Paul has more than 10 years of experience of working to improve the use of evidence in the UK and Ireland. Howard put a system in place for promoting policy influence at the International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) and is working to engage Campbell with the global What Works movement. Vivian is Editor-in-Chief of the Campbell Collaboration and has led multidisciplinary methods research in collaboration with patients, clinicians, policy leaders, statisticians and economists. Jennifer is an experienced systematic review author and advocates for more effective support for breastfeeding. They will share their experiences in engaging with policymakers and explore why some attempts are more successful than others. Participants will be invited to work in small groups to consider:
- who are your audience and key decision makers?
- what do they want?
- how can you contact and build relationships with your audience?
- how can you communicate evidence in a way that is relevant to their agenda?
The workshop leads will offer one-to-one advice and answer questions along the way.