Unravelling networks in local public health policymaking in three European countries – a systems analysis

Abstract

BackgroundFacilitating and enhancing interaction between stakeholders involved in the policymaking process to stimulate collaboration and use of evidence, is important to foster the development of effective Health Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA) policies. Performing an analysis of real-world policymaking processes will help reveal the complexity of a network of stakeholders. Therefore, the main objectives were to unravel the stakeholder network in the policy process by conducting three systems analyses, and to increase insight into the similarities and differences in the policy processes of these European country cases.MethodsA systems analysis of the local HEPA policymaking process was performed in three European countries involved in the ‘REsearch into POlicy to enhance Physical Activity’ (REPOPA) project, resulting in three schematic models showing the main stakeholders and their relationships. The models were used to compare the systems, focusing on implications with respect to collaboration and use of evidence in local HEPA policymaking. Policy documents and relevant webpages were examined and main stakeholders were interviewed.ResultsThe systems analysis in each country identified the main stakeholders involved and their position and relations in the policymaking process. The Netherlands and Denmark were the most similar and both differed most from Romania, especially at the level of accountability of the local public authorities for local HEPA policymaking. The categories of driving forces underlying the relations between stakeholders were formal relations, informal interaction and knowledge exchange.ConclusionsA systems analysis providing detailed descriptions of positions and relations in the stakeholder network in local level HEPA policymaking is rather unique in this area. The analyses are useful when a need arises for increased interaction, collaboration and use of knowledge between stakeholders in the local HEPA network, as they provide an overview of the stakeholders involved and their mutual relations. This information can be an important starting point to enhance the uptake of evidence and build more effective public health policies.

Integrative review; identifying the evidence base for policymaking and analysis in health care

“…Forty papers dealt with the process of policymaking and comprised mainly case studies ( N = 19) with the remainder qualitative or mixed methods studies. Consensus on priorities and activities must be identified to facilitate the policymaking process and avoid tension (Archer et al, ; Khayatzadeh‐Mahani, Fotaki, & Harvey, ; Vandenbroeck, Dechenne, Becher, Eyssen, & Heede, ; Zida et al, ) and stakeholders must be accountable during the policymaking process (Spitters et al, ). International best practice recommends setting an agenda driven by practitioners rather than by political agendas (Vos, Lagasse, & Levêque, ).…”

“…There exists limited evidence on how policymakers take ac- (Odoch et al, 2015). (Spitters et al, 2017). International best practice recommends setting an agenda driven by practitioners rather than by political agendas (Vos, Lagasse, & Levêque, 2014).…”

‘Function First—Be Active, Stay Independent’—promoting physical activity and physical function in people with long-term conditions by primary care: a protocol for a realist synthesis with embedded co-production and co-design

“…A stakeholder analysis will identify and target the most relevant groups44 with representation from patients, primary care professionals working in general medical practices, policy makers, voluntary organisations, council-funded initiatives, social care, commissioners of services and National Health Service (NHS) organisations across the UK. Creative methods, borrowed from the field of co-design, will be employed to structure the workshops and elicit the views and experiences of all stakeholder representatives, including a facilitated session using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®.…”

Developing a policy game intervention to enhance collaboration in public health policymaking in three European countries

“…1 Phases of the development of the policy game intervention, implemented as part of the REPOPA-project. * Grey striped parts are described elsewhere [ 21 ] …”

“…Understanding the relations between stakeholders in the network is one thing [ 21 ], intervening in an effective way in the stakeholder network, to stimulate the interaction, communication and collaboration, is another thing. A possible intervention which takes the network into account and aims at stimulating collaboration between stakeholders in the network can be a policy game.…”