The Use of Research Evidence in Public Health Decision Making Processes: Systematic Review

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ID: 114918
2011
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Abstract
Background The use of research evidence to underpin public health policy is strongly promoted. However, its implementation has not been straightforward. The objectives of this systematic review were to synthesise empirical evidence on the use of research evidence by public health decision makers in settings with universal health care systems. Methods To locate eligible studies, 13 bibliographic databases were screened, organisational websites were scanned, key informants were contacted and bibliographies of included studies were scrutinised. Two reviewers independently assessed studies for inclusion, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. Data were synthesised as a narrative review. Findings 18 studies were included: 15 qualitative studies, and three surveys. Their methodological quality was mixed. They were set in a range of country and decision making settings. Study participants included 1063 public health decision makers, 72 researchers, and 174 with overlapping roles. Decision making processes varied widely between settings, and were viewed differently by key players. A range of research evidence was accessed. However, there was no reliable evidence on the extent of its use. Its impact was often indirect, competing with other influences. Barriers to the use of research evidence included: decision makers' perceptions of research evidence; the gulf between researchers and decision makers; the culture of decision making; competing influences on decision making; and practical constraints. Suggested (but largely untested) ways of overcoming these barriers included: research targeted at the needs of decision makers; research clearly highlighting key messages; and capacity building. There was little evidence on the role of research evidence in decision making to reduce inequalities. Conclusions To more effectively implement research informed public health policy, action is required by decision makers and researchers to address the barriers identified in this systematic review. There is an urgent need for evidence to support the use of research evidence to inform public health decision making to reduce inequalities.
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Authors Lois Orton;Ffion Lloyd-Williams;David Taylor-Robinson;Martin O'Flaherty;Simon Capewell;
Journal PloS one
Year 2011
DOI
10.1371/journal.pone.0021704
URL
https://doi.org/10.1371%2Fjournal.pone.0021704
Keywords
decision making systematic reviews public policy science policy qualitative studies health care policy database searching public and occupational health systematic review qualitative research meta-analysis National Center for Biotechnology Information NCBI NLM MEDLINE review humans pubmed abstract nih national institutes of health national library of medicine research support non-u.s. gov't public health* decision making* evidence-based medicine* research* pmid:21818262 pmc3144216 doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0021704 lois orton ffion lloyd-williams simon capewell

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