Knowledge translation to advance evidence-based health policy in Thailand

Abstract

Significant gaps between scientific evidence and policy have resulted in growing interest in the role that knowledge translation (KT) can play in informing evidence-based policy. The Mitsampan Community Research Project, in consultation with the local community of people who inject drugs, developed a comprehensive KT strategy that aimed to translate research into policy related to HIV and illicit drug use in Bangkok, Thailand. Though barriers to KT activities were experienced, findings suggest that KT has the potential to facilitate dialogue and policy change. Further development and evaluation are needed to refine KT approaches and thereby bridge evidence and policy.