Abstract
ObjectivesLimited work has been done to promote knowledge translation (KT) in the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR). The objectives of this study are to: 1.assess the climate for evidence use in policy; 2.explore views and practices about current processes and weaknesses of health policymaking; 3.identify priorities including short-term requirements for policy briefs; and 4.identify country-specific requirements for establishing KT platforms.MethodsSenior policymakers, stakeholders and researchers from Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Oman, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, and Yemen participated in this study. Questionnaires were used to assess the climate for use of evidence and identify windows of opportunity and requirements for policy briefs and for establishing KT platforms. Current processes and weaknesses of policymaking were appraised using case study scenarios. Closed-ended questions were analyzed descriptively. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsKT activities were not frequently undertaken by policymakers and researchers in EMR countries, research evidence about high priority policy issues was rarely made available, and interaction between policymakers and researchers was limited, and policymakers rarely identified or created places for utilizing research evidence in decision-making processes. Findings emphasized the complexity of policymaking. Donors, political regimes, economic goals and outdated laws were identified as key drivers. Lack of policymakers’ abilities to think strategically, constant need to make quick decisions, limited financial resources, and lack of competent and trained human resources were suggested as main weaknesses.ConclusionDespite the complexity of policymaking processes in countries from this region, the absence of a structured process for decision making, and the limited engagement of policymakers and researchers in KT activities, there are windows of opportunity for moving towards more evidence informed policymaking.
Highlights
During the last few years, global efforts have been projected towards promoting the use of research evidence in health policymaking [1,2,3,4]
Evidence-Informed Policy Networks (EVIPNet) Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR) is a network coordinated by the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) and led by individuals at the country level, mostly those working in ministries of health in certain countries
Implications for policy and research This study provides baseline assessment of knowledge translation (KT) in some EMR countries, and the methodology can be used in future studies to guide the establishment of KT platforms in other countries
Summary
During the last few years, global efforts have been projected towards promoting the use of research evidence in health policymaking [1,2,3,4]. WHO Eastern Mediterranean Regional Office (WHO EMRO) emphasized, in its strategic directions for research for health, the forceful implementation and expansion of research for health as a fundamental tool for health development and informing health policy [8]. In response to these repeated calls to action, KT platforms, which are partnerships between policymakers, researchers, civil society groups, and other key health system stakeholders, are being established worldwide by the WHO’s Evidence-Informed Policy Networks (EVIPNet), to facilitate the process of translating research evidence into policy and action [9].
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