Perceptions on the role of evidence: an English alcohol policy case study

Abstract

This paper explores the competing influences which inform public health policy and describes the role that research evidence plays within the policymaking process. In particular it draws on a recent English alcohol policy case study to assess the role of evidence in informing policy and practice. Semistructured interviews with key national, regional and local policy informants were transcribed and analysed thematically. A strong theme identified was that of the role of evidence. Findings are discussed in the context of competing views on what constitutes appropriate evidence for policy-making. KEYWORDS:Alcohol policy; evidence-based policy; evidence-informed policy, research evidence; England.Perceptions on the role of evidence 2 EVIDENCE INFORMED POLICYFrom the late 1990s, New Labour governments made the contention that public policy should be evidence-based, properly evaluated and informed by best practice (Cabinet Office, 1999). This commitment was operationalised by the creation of public service units and cross-departmental teams working on complex issues (for example, the Social Exclusion Unit). Since then there has been debate on whether the government has adhered to evidence-based policy-making (Bennett & Holloway, 2010). Nevertheless, the rhetoric has survived under the Coalition Government with a slight shift of emphasis from 'evidence-based' to 'evidence informed' policy. The newer term denotes recognition that evidence is only one of many competing influences on policy formation and the policy agenda. In addition, the dynamics of policy-making are also affected by institutional, professional and cultural factors which vary across different policy domains (Head, 2010). However, the requirement for reliable and valid information is generally considered by reformist governments to be one of the foundations for good policy and review processes (Shaxson, 2005).In practice, the policy-making process has many influences acting upon it, including: the experience, expertise and judgement of decision-makers, Evidence which appears persuasive to researchers is sometimes viewed less favourably by others involved in policy development and implementation. To politicians, policy-makers and practitioners, academic research can seem too abstruse, written in incomprehensible language and not sufficiently focussed on the practical day to day issues that are their main interest (MacGregor, 2010). For research to have an influence, policy-makers have reported that they seek the identification of new approaches to tackling persistent problems that prevent policy from being effective; research which uncovers new issues before they come to the attention of policy-makers; and research which provides accurate information and highlights examples of good practice.Attention also has to be given to the financial and policy implications and to the potential for scaling up initiatives (MacGregor, 2006). Despite these sometimes competing influences and cultural differences, research evidence can still maintain a role in the ...

Processes of local alcohol policy-making in England: Does the theory of policy transfer provide useful insights into public health decision-making?

“…Members of this policy network have different histories, designated roles, motivations and views on the forms of evidence which are and should be used to inform policy decisions (6,8). In this paper, we focus on the latter point regarding evidence use.…”

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“…The devolution of alcohol regulation to local authorities is increasing globally , creating a need for evidence that speaks to cultural, economic and physical factors underpinning geographic variation in drinking patterns and harm . Nicholls suggests that licensing decisions tend to require evidence that ‘sees like a city (or town)’ rather than ‘like a state’ , with the result that scientific evidence is often deemed irrelevant if its applicability to the locality in question is unclear .…”

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“…The evidence base relevant to Treasury officials is not identical to that relevant to officials in the Department of Health. The same is true locally: evidence relevant to a licensing authority concerned with public order will not be identical to that relevant to a local health board concerned with reducing incidences of liver disease (Martineau, Graff, Mitchell, & Lock, 2013;Phillips & Green, in press;Toner et al, 2014). Policy frames, then, are not overlaid onto evidence; they are integral to its identification, development and application, and lack of congruence between frames and evidence can undermine the coherence of policy arguments.…”

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