Moving Toward an Evidence‐Based Public Health System: A Canadian Perspective

Abstract

Objective: The National Forum on Health in Canada in 1997 identified the promotion of research transfer and uptake and evidence-based decision making as two important priorities for the Canadian health care system. Research has determined that factors such as key stakeholders, organizational culture, individual decision-making style, the research evidence itself, and the importance of the decision to the goals of the organization significantly influence the use of research evidence. This paper will chronicle activities underway in Canada to assist public health decision makers become aware of, accept, and incorporate research evidence into policy and practice decisions. Approach: A program of research among public health decision makers has been ongoing since 1995. The studies have sought to (a) identify barriers to research utilization among decision makers (Ciliska et al. 1999), (b) identify factors that facilitate the use of research evidence for program decision making (Dobbins et al. 2001a, 2001b), and (c) understand decision makers' information needs and preferences (Dobbins et al. 2004; Thomas et al. 2004). Findings: The findings highlight the importance of factors of the organization, environment, individual, and innovation (research evidence) to the use of research evidence in decision making. Culture and decision-making style were found to be particularly important, along with perceived skill to critically appraise research evidence and social environments supportive of research evidence. Decision makers clearly articulated their information needs with respect to content, format, and method of delivery. Conclusions: The findings have been instrumental in the development of a national public health knowledge transfer strategy. The investigators contend that consultation with potential users of research evidence is crucial to ensure the conduct of relevant and timely research as well as the development of an effective knowledge transfer strategy. The results have also assisted in the development of more appropriate and objective outcome measures. Implications: Implications for future research and activity will be addressed in light of the results presented.