Article type
Abstract
"Background
Using the best available research evidence to guide public health decisions, as well as efficient and effective knowledge translation (KT), is pivotal in responding to health emergencies. In South Africa, a strategic academic-government partnership supported the COVID-19 response between March 2020 and December 2022. We evaluated the response activities – co-producing rapid COVID-19 therapeutics reviews; engaging stakeholders; producing rapid review dissemination products; capacitating evidence-users’ access to rapid reviews; and making the infrastructure within the partnership nimble for rapid review production (see Table 1).
Objectives
We share results of our evaluation of the academic-government partnership and lessons learned about what worked to support the South Africa COVID-19 response, to inform future partnerships, particularly in crisis situations.
Methods
Between March 2020 and December 2022, we collected data from four sources: document review of meeting notes and procedural documents; webinar evaluation surveys; in-depth interviews; and reflections. Data was analysed using the Cochrane KT framework for thematic analysis and descriptive statistics.
Results
Key lessons relate to: (a) authentic, trusting partnerships between evidence producers and users; (b) intentional and systematic stakeholder engagement to promote the rapid exchange of information; (c) tailoring, responsive and relevant KT to promote the uptake of evidence; and (d) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of KT for adaptation as well as to identify lessons learnt.
Conclusion
To be prepared for emergency situations in future, several systemic changes in the research/academic and government arenas are required. Collaboratively, research/academic and government partners should: (a) develop rapid response mechanisms that are ready to react in emergencies; (b) establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; (c) create standard templates and processes that can be adapted and implemented for a variety of situations; (d) address bureaucratic/institutional processes that delay rapid research, decision-making and communication, especially during emergencies; (e) involve science communicators who can rapidly tailor products for different audiences; and (f) invest in monitoring and evaluation of stakeholder engagement and KT.
"
Using the best available research evidence to guide public health decisions, as well as efficient and effective knowledge translation (KT), is pivotal in responding to health emergencies. In South Africa, a strategic academic-government partnership supported the COVID-19 response between March 2020 and December 2022. We evaluated the response activities – co-producing rapid COVID-19 therapeutics reviews; engaging stakeholders; producing rapid review dissemination products; capacitating evidence-users’ access to rapid reviews; and making the infrastructure within the partnership nimble for rapid review production (see Table 1).
Objectives
We share results of our evaluation of the academic-government partnership and lessons learned about what worked to support the South Africa COVID-19 response, to inform future partnerships, particularly in crisis situations.
Methods
Between March 2020 and December 2022, we collected data from four sources: document review of meeting notes and procedural documents; webinar evaluation surveys; in-depth interviews; and reflections. Data was analysed using the Cochrane KT framework for thematic analysis and descriptive statistics.
Results
Key lessons relate to: (a) authentic, trusting partnerships between evidence producers and users; (b) intentional and systematic stakeholder engagement to promote the rapid exchange of information; (c) tailoring, responsive and relevant KT to promote the uptake of evidence; and (d) monitoring and evaluating the implementation of KT for adaptation as well as to identify lessons learnt.
Conclusion
To be prepared for emergency situations in future, several systemic changes in the research/academic and government arenas are required. Collaboratively, research/academic and government partners should: (a) develop rapid response mechanisms that are ready to react in emergencies; (b) establish and maintain relationships with key stakeholders; (c) create standard templates and processes that can be adapted and implemented for a variety of situations; (d) address bureaucratic/institutional processes that delay rapid research, decision-making and communication, especially during emergencies; (e) involve science communicators who can rapidly tailor products for different audiences; and (f) invest in monitoring and evaluation of stakeholder engagement and KT.
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