Abstract
BackgroundLimited research exists on researchers' knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) in the eastern Mediterranean region (EMR). This multi-country study explores researchers' views and experiences regarding the role of health systems and policy research evidence in health policymaking in the EMR, including the factors that influence health policymaking, barriers and facilitators to the use of evidence, and the factors that increase researchers' engagement in KTE.MethodsResearchers who published health systems and policy relevant research in 12 countries in the EMR (Bahrain, Egypt, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) were surveyed. Descriptive analysis and Linear Mixed Regression Models were performed for quantitative sections and the simple thematic analysis approach was used for open-ended questions.ResultsA total of 238 researchers were asked to complete the survey (response rate 56%). Researchers indicated transferring results to other researchers (67.2%) and policymakers in the government (40.5%). Less than one-quarter stated that they produced policy briefs (14.5%), disseminated messages that specified possible actions (24.4%), interacted with policymakers and stakeholders in priority-setting (16%), and involved them in their research (19.8%). Insufficient policy dialogue opportunities and collaboration between researchers and policymakers and stakeholders (67.9%), practical constraints to implementation (66%), non-receptive policy environment (61.3%), and politically sensitive findings (57.7%) hindered the use of evidence. Factors that increase researchers' engagement in KTE activities in the region were associated with involving policymakers and stakeholders at various stages such as priority-setting exercises and provision of technical assistance.ConclusionsResearchers in the EMR recognize the importance of using health systems evidence in health policymaking. Potential strategies to improve the use of research evidence emphasize two-way communication between researchers and policymakers. Findings are critical for the upcoming World Health Report 2012, which will emphasize the significance of conducting and translating health research to inform health policies.
Highlights
The role of research in improving health systems and healthcare delivery is becoming increasingly recognized by policymakers and researchers worldwide
Knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE), which is an interactive process involving the interchange of knowledge between research users and researcher producers, emerged as a result of growing evidence that the successful uptake of knowledge requires more than one-way communication but rather genuine interaction among researchers, decision makers, and other stakeholders [5]
In a recent priority-setting exercise conducted with policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers from the region, participants called for further exploration of health systems research into policy, engaging policymakers in health systems research, and conducting surveys to better understand the policymaking context and design effective knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) strategies for the region [10]
Summary
The role of research in improving health systems and healthcare delivery is becoming increasingly recognized by policymakers and researchers worldwide. In the Eastern Mediterranean Region (EMR), the role of research in policymaking has been repeatedly emphasized [6,7,8]. In a recent priority-setting exercise conducted with policymakers, stakeholders, and researchers from the region, participants called for further exploration of health systems research into policy, engaging policymakers in health systems research, and conducting surveys to better understand the policymaking context and design effective KTE strategies for the region [10]. Limited research exists on researchers’ knowledge transfer and exchange (KTE) in the eastern Mediterranean region (EMR). This multi-country study explores researchers’ views and experiences regarding the role of health systems and policy research evidence in health policymaking in the EMR, including the factors that influence health policymaking, barriers and facilitators to the use of evidence, and the factors that increase researchers’ engagement in KTE
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