Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: Despite available research evidence that can offer solutions to many public health and health systems challenges and enable rapid learning, deficits in knowledge translation remain a major barrier for using evidence in making health decisions. This is especially the case for countries that have limited capacities, are in transition and where access to research evidence is limited, e.g. if there are language barriers. Since 2013 the Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe has been working extensively on strengthening national capacities in 23 countries in the WHO European Region, including countries such as Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. These efforts focus on effectively and systematically translating and utilizing the best available research evidence in decision-making.
Objectives:To present the activities and progress as well as discuss enablers and barriers in implementing and institutionalizing knowledge translation (KT) and evidence-informed policy-making (EIP) for rapid learning health systems in European and Central-Asian countries.
Methods:We use network activities to offer an enabling platform for capacity strengthening, fostering regional collaboration and exchange of knowledge and experience. We have helped building capacity, including in conducting rapid syntheses for rapid learning health systems. This was also achieved by making tools and resources available that focused on knowledge translation (KT) tools, such as the evidence brief for policy (EBP) and policy dialogues (PD). We also worked with countries to identify major factors that facilitate or hinder establishment of a KT platform and supporting the countries to work towards institutionalization of it.
Results:EVIPNet Europe has continued to make progress in the promotion of, increasing capacities and involving stakeholders in KT in its member countries in Europe and Central Asia. They have acknowledged the importance of evidence-informed decision-making and recognize existing knowledge translation deficit and gaps in their national capacities and legal framework for KTP. Many countries have excellent examples of KT tools and proposed concrete steps to institutionalize evidence-informed decision-making and to continue foster and strengthen national capacities based on a comprehensive analysis. The next steps of developing formal KT platforms, including establishing rapid response services in Hungary are expected in 2020 and strengthening the Network’s focus on Eastern European and Central Asian countries.
Conclusions:Our efforts in supporting countries in building capacities in using research evidence for policy-making have led to an increase in awareness and concrete steps in institutionalization of KT. We will continue to work with countries to support their efforts in this regard.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: The network establishes links in countries between researchers, policy-makers and other stakeholders, including civil society actors representing public, patients or consumers involved in policy making.
Objectives:To present the activities and progress as well as discuss enablers and barriers in implementing and institutionalizing knowledge translation (KT) and evidence-informed policy-making (EIP) for rapid learning health systems in European and Central-Asian countries.
Methods:We use network activities to offer an enabling platform for capacity strengthening, fostering regional collaboration and exchange of knowledge and experience. We have helped building capacity, including in conducting rapid syntheses for rapid learning health systems. This was also achieved by making tools and resources available that focused on knowledge translation (KT) tools, such as the evidence brief for policy (EBP) and policy dialogues (PD). We also worked with countries to identify major factors that facilitate or hinder establishment of a KT platform and supporting the countries to work towards institutionalization of it.
Results:EVIPNet Europe has continued to make progress in the promotion of, increasing capacities and involving stakeholders in KT in its member countries in Europe and Central Asia. They have acknowledged the importance of evidence-informed decision-making and recognize existing knowledge translation deficit and gaps in their national capacities and legal framework for KTP. Many countries have excellent examples of KT tools and proposed concrete steps to institutionalize evidence-informed decision-making and to continue foster and strengthen national capacities based on a comprehensive analysis. The next steps of developing formal KT platforms, including establishing rapid response services in Hungary are expected in 2020 and strengthening the Network’s focus on Eastern European and Central Asian countries.
Conclusions:Our efforts in supporting countries in building capacities in using research evidence for policy-making have led to an increase in awareness and concrete steps in institutionalization of KT. We will continue to work with countries to support their efforts in this regard.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement: The network establishes links in countries between researchers, policy-makers and other stakeholders, including civil society actors representing public, patients or consumers involved in policy making.