Policymakers’ Research Capacities, Engagement, and Use of Research in Public Health Policymaking

Abstract

The use of research in public health policymaking is one of the prerequisites for successfully implemented health policies which have better population health as an outcome. This policy process is influenced by the actors involved under the policy umbrella, with inter-related contextual factors and specific structural and institutional circumstances. Our study investigates how policymakers’ research capacities influence the use of research in the health policy process and identify areas where capacity-building interventions give the most meaning and impact. Furthermore, we investigate policymakers’ research engagement and use this to inform public health policy in the public sector in Denmark. We collect and report data using Seeking, Engaging with, and Evaluation Research (SEER) methodology. Policymakers are reported to have research capacity, but it is questionable how those competences have actually been used in policymaking. Decision-makers were often not aware or did not know about the existing organizational tools and systems for research engagement and use and two third of respondents had not been part of any research activities or had any collaboration with researchers. Overall, research use in public health policymaking and evaluation was limited. As a conclusion, we propose that capacity-building interventions for increasing research use and collaboration in EIPM should be context-oriented, measurable, and sustainable in developing individual and organizational competences.

Evaluator’s alignment as an important indicator of adequacy of the criteria and assessment procedure for recognizing the good practice in public health

“…To further improve best practice assessments, we suggest involving policymakers more extensively in the assessment process. This could include their participation in either the development or upgradation of the criteria and during the actual assessment process ( 36 ). While researchers may prefer to maintain independence from policymaking and implementation, public health research can have the most significant impact when researchers, practitioners, and decision-makers take responsibility for its production and application ( 37 ).…”

Institutional roles, structures, funding and research partnerships towards evidence-informed policy-making: a multisector survey among policy-makers in Nigeria

“…However, this funding was depicted as inadequate. Various studies have identified the inadequacy of funding for research as a major barrier to institutional evidence generation and use in Nigeria and other LMICs [ 17 , 23 , 26 , 39 ]. These findings underscore the need for institutional prioritization and commitment to research evidence generation measured primarily by the amount of local funding made available for research.…”

“…Partnerships between researchers and policy-makers have been found to be suboptimal, with many identified barriers to effective knowledge translation and use of research evidence in decision-making by policy-makers. [ 21 , 23 , 24 ].…”

Health Policy and Systems Research Capacities in Ethiopia and Ghana: Findings From a Self-Assessment

“… 35 Further, capacity building to increase research use and collaboration in evidence-informed policy making among policy makers was proposed. 36 …”

“…35 Further, capacity building to increase research use and collaboration in evidence-informed policy making among policy makers was proposed. 36 The process of decision making varies by context, content, and actors 37,38 and their attributes such as legitimacy, power, and interest. 39 Actors can either support or not support the policy under consideration.…”