Applying knowledge translation for an effective use of Burden of Disease

Abstract

Abstract Burden of disease, expressed in disability-adjusted life years, is a very powerful metric to assess population health. It combines both mortality, i.e. years of life lost, and morbidity, i.e. years lost due to disability and is increasingly used within public health policy making. However, the substantial demand for (good quality) data, the involved methodological choices and the complexity of the concept make it also challenge to calculate Burden of Disease and to have the results properly used, e.g. in the policy making process. The concept of Knowledge translation provides a systematic way of dealing with the synthesis, dissemination, and application of research findings to improve health outcomes and inform policymaking. Understanding the burden of disease is fundamental to effective knowledge translation, as it helps prioritize research efforts, target interventions to address the most significant health challenges, and allocate resources efficiently. The four different models of knowledge translation, i.e. the push, pull exchange and integrated model, provide a sound theoretical basis to strengthen the use of burden of disease in policy making. To have an effective way of knowledge translation, the following basic facets are important: timing of providing results, having policy-relevant results, for whom are the results relevant and in what way to get the results to a potential user. This presentation will focus on how to deal with these different aspects, building on experiences of burden of disease studies throughout Europe.