Abstract
BackgroundEvidence-informed policy-making (EIPM) is optimal when evidence-producers (researchers) and policy developers work collaboratively to ensure the production and use of the best available evidence. This paper examined participants’ perceptions of knowledge-brokering strategies used in the TROPIC (Translational Research in Obesity Prevention in Communities) project to facilitate the use of obesity-related evidence in policy development in Fiji.MethodKnowledge-brokers delivered a 12-18 month programme comprising workshops targeting EIPM skills and practical support for developing evidence-informed policy briefs to reduce obesity. The programme was tailored to each of the six participating organizations. Knowledge-brokering strategies included negotiating topics that were aligned to the goals of individual organizations, monitoring and evaluating time-management skills, accommodating other organizational and individual priorities, delivering practical sessions on use of appropriate research tools and supporting individual writing of policy briefs. Two qualitative methods were used to examine individuals’ perceptions of skills obtained, opportunities afforded by the TROPIC project, facilitators and inhibiters to planned policy brief development and suggestions for improved programme delivery. Forty-nine participants completed an electronic word table and then participated in a semi-structured interview. An independent interviewer conducted structured interviews with a high-ranking officer in each organization to examine their perceptions of TROPIC engagement strategies. Data were analyzed descriptively and thematically, with the first author and another experienced qualitative researcher analyzing data sets separately, and then combining analyses.ResultsMany participants believed that they had increased their skills in acquiring, assessing, adapting and applying evidence, writing policy briefs and presenting evidence-based arguments to higher levels. Many participants preferred one-to-one meetings to group activities to ensure early resolution of developing issues and to refine policy briefs. Perceived barriers to EIPM were lack of knowledge about data sources, inadequate time to develop evidence-informed briefs, and insufficient resources for accessing and managing evidence.ConclusionAn innovative knowledge-brokering approach utilizing skill development and mentorship facilitated individual EIPM skills and policy brief development. The TROPIC model could stimulate evidence-based policy action relating to obesity prevention and other policy areas in other Pacific countries and elsewhere.
Highlights
Evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM) is optimal when evidence-producers and policy developers work collaboratively to ensure the production and use of the best available evidence
The Translational Research on Obesity Prevention in Communities (TROPIC) model could stimulate evidence-based policy action relating to obesity prevention and other policy areas in other Pacific countries and elsewhere
This paper focuses on the Translational Research on Obesity Prevention in Communities (TROPIC) project, a natural extension of the Pacific Obesity Prevention in Communities (OPIC) project that generated substantial data on adolescent obesity through the delivery of multifaceted interventions in school and community settings in Fiji, Tonga, New Zealand and Australia
Summary
Evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM) is optimal when evidence-producers (researchers) and policy developers work collaboratively to ensure the production and use of the best available evidence. A worrying trend is that the high prevalence of childhood obesity in most Pacific Island communities [9,10] has more than doubled [11]. The concept that children would outgrow overweight and obesity as they developed has not been supported by evidence, with the tracking of increased adiposity from childhood into adulthood [12,13,14]. Despite strong evidence supporting the efficacy of health promoting approaches to reduce obesity among younger children [18,19,20], it appears that such approaches, while probably necessary, are not alone sufficient to overcome significant economic, physical and sociocultural barriers to sustaining a healthy weight [5,21,22]. Laws and regulations are needed to drive environmental and social changes that will eventually have a sustainable impact on reducing obesity [23]
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