Using Research Evidence in Public Health Decision Making
Author Information
Author(s): Lois Orton, Ffion Lloyd-Williams, David Taylor-Robinson, Martin O'Flaherty, Simon Capewell
Primary Institution: Public Health and Policy, University of Liverpool
Hypothesis
How is research evidence used by public health decision makers in settings with universal health care systems?
Conclusion
To effectively implement research-informed public health policy, decision makers and researchers must address identified barriers.
Supporting Evidence
- Decision making processes varied widely between settings and were viewed differently by key players.
- A range of research evidence was accessed, but there was no reliable evidence on the extent of its use.
- Barriers to the use of research evidence included decision makers' perceptions and competing influences.
- Suggested ways to overcome barriers included targeted research and capacity building.
Takeaway
This study looked at how public health officials use research to make decisions, finding that many factors influence their choices, not just research evidence.
Methodology
A systematic review of 18 studies, including qualitative and quantitative research, was conducted to synthesize evidence on the use of research in public health decision making.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include the gulf between researchers and decision makers and the influence of personal and political factors on decision making.
Limitations
The findings are not generalizable due to the diverse localities of included studies and the qualitative nature of most studies.
Participant Demographics
Participants included 1063 public health decision makers, 72 researchers, and 174 individuals with overlapping roles from various sectors.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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