Collective sensemaking for action: researchers and decision makers working collaboratively to strengthen health systems

Abstract

Lucy Gilson and colleagues draw on experiences from Kenya and South Africa to consider the practice, benefits, and challenges of research co-production for strengthening health systems

Prioritizing people and rapid learning in times of crisis: A virtual learning initiative to support health workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…It is important to note that the WC's health system response to COVID-19, which was lauded as decisive and exemplary by the chairperson of the South African COVID-19 ministerial advisory committee, 1 built on years of investment in health systems strengthening and organisational change in the province, encouraging innovation, supportive leadership, a learning culture and collaborative governance. [2][3][4][5] A 20 years whole system analysis of the province highlighted stable management and dispersed leadership as critical success factors. 6 Key systems responses during COVID-19 focused on governance for health through containment strategies in other sectors and communities, as well as governance of health, ensuring a responsive health care platform.…”

AMORE Project: Integrated knowledge translation and geospatial analysis to improve travel times to health services (accessibility) and health equity in Cali, Colombia: a proof of concept using mixed-methods research

“…When knowledge end users participate as equal partners in the research process, the approach is called "integrated knowledge translation" (iKT) and supports the co-creation of knowledge. (25,(44)(45)(46)50,(72)(73)(74)(75)(76)(77)(78)(79)(80)(81)(82)(83)(84)(85)(86)(87) Also, participation by data scientists developing digital tools likely helps with the implementation of such tools. ( 49)…”

Co-production of knowledge: the future

“…What works well in one situation and at one time may be impossible in another. Whether and how co-production can occur will be determined by systemic issues, including the culture and development of the health and policy system, resourcing and leadership, the wider culture, and the evolution and drivers of the research sector 789. There is much to learn from examining how co-production works in diverse settings, including low and middle income countries, where local ownership of solutions is vital.…”

“…Trust is particularly important in working with less powerful stakeholders 471314. In low and middle income countries funders and donors may need to reorient their views to place more trust in local knowledge1516; new kinds of funding from USAID and other donors have supported initiatives to build trust and facilitate co-production 15.…”