Application of Research Evidence in Policy Formulation to Enhance Child Development Opportunities in Zambia

2018 ◽  
pp. 375-388
Author(s):  
Robert Serpell
Keyword(s):  
Child Development ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Policy Formulation

INTRODUCTION

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1993 ◽  
Vol 91 (5) ◽  
pp. ii-ii
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Child Development ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Cultural Sensitivity ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Full Account

In June 1992, 35 health care professionals, child and disability advocates, researchers, clinicians, and parents met at Wingspread Center in Racine, Wisconsin, for an invitational conference on Culture and Chronic Illness in Childhood. The meeting had as its goal the identification of the state of knowledge on the interface between culture, chronic illness, child development, and family functioning so as to lay the foundations for "culturally appropriate" health policy formulation, "culturally sensitive" services, and "culturally competent" clinicians. The purpose of this special supplement is to establish a national agenda for research, policy, service delivery, and training in addressing the needs of all children with chronic illnesses and disabilities that takes the family, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, and culture into full account. To meet this task, five papers were commissioned. The first, by Newacheck et al, addresses the changes in incidence and prevalence of chronic illness and disability among children and youth by ethnic group. The second paper, by McManus et al, focuses on the trends in health services organization, delivery, and financing as they vary among ethnic groups in the United States. What emerges is a rhetoric of cultural sensitivity not paralleled in the organization or financing of health services. Groce and Zola's paper addresses how cultural attitudes and beliefs are the foundations of our perceptions about health and illness. Those perceptions at times are predisposed to conflict with a health care professional who, coming from a different culture, may hold different norms and beliefs. Brookins grounds her discussion within the context of child development and argues that for a child of color or one whose ethnic heritage is other than mainstream, the key to developmental success is bicultural competence—the ability to walk in and between two worlds.

scholarly journals Sustainability reporting challenges in developing countries: towards management perceptions research evidence-based practices

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Venancio Tauringana
Keyword(s):  
Developing Countries ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Sustainability Reporting ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Global Reporting Initiative ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Evidence Based Practices ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Awareness Campaigns ◽  
The Impact

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is threefold. First, it aims to identify managerial perceptions-based research determinants of sustainability reporting. Second, it sets out to evaluate the impact of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) efforts in increasing SR in developing countries. Third, the researcher argues for the adoption of management perceptions research evidence-based practices (EBP) to address SR challenges in developing countries.Design/methodology/approachThe study was undertaken using a desk-based review of management perceptions-based research literature on the determinants of SR. The impact of GRI efforts in increasing adoption of SR was undertaken through both desk-based research and descriptive analysis of data obtained from the GRI database from 2014 to 2019 relating to 107 developing countries. The call for the adoption of management perceptions research EBP is based on a critical analysis of both the management perceptions of the determinants of SR research and evaluation the impact of GRI efforts to increase SR in developing countries.FindingsTraining, legislation, issuing of guidance, stakeholder pressure, awareness campaigns, market and public pressure were identified as some of the determinants of SR. The evaluation of the impact of GRI efforts shows they had limited impact on increasing SR in developing countries. Research needed to adopt management perceptions research EBP is identified.Research limitations/implicationsThis study is conceptual. Management perceptions-based research is needed in more developing countries to better understand the determinants of SR and identify the most effective policies or practices to address related challenges.Originality/valueThe findings contribute to the calls to make academic research more relevant to policy formulation. In particular, the proposal for research needed to inform EBP adoption to address SR challenges in developing countries is new.

The Arithmetic Curriculum—1954

1954 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Charlotte Junge
Keyword(s):  
Elementary School ◽  
Child Development ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Philosophy Of Education ◽  
Human Learning ◽  
School Age ◽  
Elementary School Age ◽  
Considerable Research ◽  
Recent Origin

The Modern Arithmetic Curriculum is an outgrowth of various influences which have been operative over a period of years. Some factors have been in the picture for more than thirty years, others are of more recent origin—or are being recognized more recently as having significance. Among the more prominent of these influences are the changing philosophy of education, increased knowledge of child development, clarification of the nature of human learning, a rethinking of the purposes of instruction in arithmetic, and changes in our culture. As a result of these influences arithmetic curriculums are becoming much more realistic about what children need in arithmetic and what seems appropriate and within children's capabilities at various age levels. Considerable research evidence has been accumulated on the nature of the leaming process in arithmetic, the nature and the place of meanings in arithmetic, and upon the comparative value of various methods of instruction. These researches have significance for the teacher and curriculum maker, and although the research is not as complete as is to be desired, every advantage should be taken of the findings thus far in planning sound progress in arithmetic for children of elementary school age.

scholarly journals Researcher and policymaker dialogue: the Policy BUDDIES Project in Western Cape Province, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 3 (6) ◽  
pp. e001130 ◽  
Author(s):  
Taryn Young ◽  
Jessica C Shearer ◽  
Celeste Naude ◽  
Tamara Kredo ◽  
Charles S Wiysonge ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Chronic Illness ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Policy Position ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Policy Problem ◽  
Identification Stage ◽  
Set Up ◽  
Depth Interviews

Dialogue and exchange between researchers and policy personnel may increase the use of research evidence in policy. We piloted and evaluated a programme of formalised dialogue between researchers and provincial health policymakers in South Africa, called the buddying programme. An external evaluation examined implementation and short-term impact, drawing on documents, in-depth interviews with policymakers, a researcher buddies focus group and our own reflection on what we learnt. We set up buddying with seven policymakers and five researchers on six policy questions. Researchers knew little about policymaking or needs of policymakers. Policymakers respected the contact with researchers, respected researchers’ objectivity and appreciated the formalised approach. Having policymaker champions facilitated the dialogue. Scenarios for policy questions and use were different. One topic was at problem identification stage (contraceptives and HIV risk), four at policy formulation stage (healthy lifestyles, chronic illness medication adherence, integrated care of chronic illness and maternal transmission of HIV to infants) and one at implementation stage (task shifting). Research evidence were used to identify or solve a policy problem (two scenarios), to legitimise a predetermined policy position (three scenarios) or the evidence indirectly influenced the policy (one scenario). The formalised dialogue required in this structured buddying programme took time and commitment from both sides. The programme illustrated the importance of researchers listening, and policymakers understanding what research can offer. Both parties recognised that the structured buddying made the dialogue happen. Often the evidence was helpful in supporting provincial policy decisions that were in the roll-out phase from the national government.

Fathering is a Feminist Issue

1996 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-37 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise B. Silverstein
Keyword(s):  
Child Development ◽  
Gender Role ◽  
Feminist Theory ◽  
Family Life ◽  
Place Attachment ◽  
Feminist Issue ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Gender Ideology ◽  
Gender Socialization ◽  
Masculine Gender

Feminist theory has not yet addressed the ways in which the ideology of fatherhood has contributed to interlocking inequalities for women in both the workplace and family life. This paper is an effort to inject a feminist voice into the redefinition of fathering, which I see as essential both to the achievement of equality for women and to the reconstruction of the masculine gender role. I begin by describing how our unconscious gender ideology pressures all families to become traditional patriarchal families. I address feminist concerns about the dangers of overvaluing fathers' contributions to child development. I review the research evidence on whether fathers have the same potential for nurturing as mothers, and examine gay fathering in particular. Finally, I suggest that redefining fathering to emphasize nurturing as well as providing will place attachment and connection at the center of gender socialization for men. Masculinity would then become much less oppressive for men as well as for women.

scholarly journals Health research knowledge translation into policy in Zambia: policy-maker and researcher perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Annie Malama ◽  
Joseph Mumba Zulu ◽  
Selestine Nzala ◽  
Maureen Mupeta Kombe ◽  
Adam Silumbwe
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Policy Making ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Public Health Research ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Local Health ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Document Review

Abstract Background The translation of public health research evidence into policy is critical to strengthening the capacity of local health systems to respond to major health challenges. However, a limited amount of public health research evidence generated in developing countries is actually translated into policy because of various factors. This study sought to explore the process of health research knowledge translation into policy and to identify factors that facilitate or hinder the process in Zambia. Methods This work was an exploratory qualitative study comprising two phases. Firstly, a document review of health policies and strategic frameworks governing research was undertaken to understand the macro-environment for knowledge translation in Zambia. Secondly, key informant interviews were conducted with those responsible for health research and policy formulation. The study interviewed 15 key informants and a thematic analysis approach was used. Results The document review showed that there are policy efforts to promote knowledge translation through improvement of the research macro-environment. However, the interviews showed that coordination and linkage of the knowledge creation, translation and policy-making processes remains a challenge owing to lack of research knowledge translation capacity, limited resources and lack of knowledge hubs. Emerging local research leadership and the availability of existing stock of underutilized local health research data provide an opportunity to enhance knowledge translation to feed into policy processes in Zambia. Conclusions Public health research knowledge translation into policy remains a challenge in Zambia. To enhance the uptake of research evidence in policy-making, this study suggests the need for improved coordination, financing and capacity-building in knowledge translation processes for both health researchers and policy-makers.

Health researchers and policy makers involvement in knowledge translation activities in Malawi

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 380-395
Author(s):  
Patrick Mapulanga ◽  
Jaya Raju ◽  
Thomas Matingwina
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Knowledge Translation ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Expert Committee ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Research Engagement

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore health researchers’ involvement of policy or decision makers in knowledge translation activities in Malawi. Design/methodology/approach The case study collected quantitative through questionnaire from health researchers from the University of Malawi. The study used inferential statistics for the analysis of the quantitative data. Pearson χ2 test was used to establish the relationship between categorical data and determine whether any observed difference between the data sets arose by chance. The Kruskal–Wallis H test was used to determine if there were statistically significant differences between independent variable and dependent variables. Data has been presented in a form of tables showing means, standard deviation and p-values. Findings Health researchers sometimes involve policy or decision makers in government-sponsored meetings (M=2.5, SD=1.17). They rarely involve policy or decision makers in expert committee or group meetings (M=2.4, SD=1.20). Researchers rarely involve policy or decision makers in conferences and workshops (M=2.4, SD=1.31). Rarely do researchers involve policy or decision makers in formal private or public networks (M=2.4, SD=1.17). In events organised by the colleges researchers rarely involve policy or decision makers (M=2.3, SD=1.11); and rarely share weblinks with policy or decision makers (M=2.0, SD=1,17). On average, health researchers occasionally conduct deliberate dialogues with key health policy makers and other stakeholders (M=2.5, SD=1.12). The researchers rarely established and maintained long-term partnerships policy or decision makers (M=2.2, SD=1.20). They rarely involve policy or decision makers in the overall direction of the health research conducted by themselves or the Colleges (M=2.1, SD=1.24). Research limitations/implications The study recommends that there should be deliberate efforts by health researchers and policy makers to formally engage each other. Individuals need technical skills, knowledge of the processes and structures for engaging with health research evidence to inform policy and decision making. At the institutional level, the use of research evidence should be embedded within support research engagement structures and linked persons. Practical implications Formal interactions in a form of expert meetings and technical working groups between researchers and policy makers can facilitate the use of health research evidence in policy formulation. Social implications In terms of framework there is need to put in place formal interaction frameworks between health researchers and policy makers within the knowledge translation and exchange. Originality/value There is dearth of literature on the levels of involvement and interaction between health researchers and health policy or decision makers in health policy, systems and services research in Malawi. This study seeks to bridge the gap with empirical evidence.

Research-evidence-based health policy formulation in Malawi

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-176
Author(s):  
Patrick Mapulanga ◽  
Jaya Raju ◽  
Thomas Matingwina
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Research Groups ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Working Groups

PurposeThe paper seeks to report on research-evidence-based health policy formulation in Malawi based on interviews with policymakers and questionnaire administered to health researchers.Design/methodology/approachQuantitative data for inferential statistical analysis was obtained through a questionnaire administered to researchers in the University of Malawi's College of Medicine and the Kamuzu College of Nursing. Interviews were conducted with four directors holding decision-making national health policy roles in the Ministry of Health and the National Assembly. The five national policymakers interviewed constituted five of the nine interviewees. The remaining four interviewed represented other government agencies and non-governmental organisations in the health sector. These constituted a piloted group of health policymakers in Malawi. Data from interviews shows illustrative comments typical of consistent perspectives among interviewees. Where they disagreed, divergent views have been presented.FindingsThe survey has revealed that health researchers rarely interact with health policymakers. Policymakers rarely attend researchers' workshops, seminars and conferences. Researchers prefer to interact with policymakers through expert committees or technical working groups. However, the meetings are called by policymakers at their own will. In terms of health research designed for user relevance, survey respondents suggested that developing research products; formulating study objectives; analysing and interpreting research findings and; developing research designs and methods were their responsibility. However, policymakers felt that research evidence should appeal to specific priorities needed by health policymakers in policy formulation. Health researchers suggested that health research evidence should be communicated through syntheses of the research literature and reprints of articles published in scientific journals. However, policymakers were of the view that research products should not be bulky, should be presented in points form and should provide options for specific policy areas.Practical implicationsUniversity research groups and technical working groups provide an opportunity for interacting and enhancing the use of health research evidence.Originality/valueFor the purposes of facilitating the use of research evidence into policy, the study provides a low-cost framework for linking research groups and technical working groups to inform health research utilisation.

scholarly journals Child development as social action: Reflections on four underrated contributions of Edward Zigler to science and society

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-17
Author(s):  
Arthur J. Reynolds
Keyword(s):  
Early Childhood ◽  
Social Policy ◽  
Child Development ◽  
Social Action ◽  
Developmental Psychology ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Historical Analysis ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Science And Society

Abstract In a career spanning six decades, Edward Zigler redefined developmental psychology as the equal integration of scientific inquiry and evidence with social policy formulation and analysis to improve child well-being. The theme of his accumulated work was advancing child development as social action for children and families. Besides early childhood intervention and policy, for which he devoted most of his time, Dr. Zigler did pioneering work in education and school reform, social policy, prevention, child maltreatment, family support, developmental disabilities, and in service to government. In this article, I reflect on four of Dr. Zigler's major contributions to science and society that are underrated and, in many respects, under-appreciated in the larger context of the field. These are (a) historical analysis of Head Start, (b) conceptualization and analysis of motivation as a key component of early childhood program impacts, (c) development of preschool-to-third-grade programs and school reforms, and (d) critical analysis of theory, research, policy, and practice. Together, these and other contributions by Dr. Zigler provide a strong foundation to build a better society for all.

What Does Evidence-Based Practice Mean to You? A Follow-Up Study Examining School-Based Speech-Language Pathologists' Perspectives on Evidence-Based Practice

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (2) ◽  
pp. 688-704
Author(s):  
Katrina Fulcher-Rood ◽  
Anny Castilla-Earls ◽  
Jeff Higginbotham
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Practice ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Evidence Based Practice ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Clinical Expertise ◽  
Speech Language Pathologists ◽  
School Based ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Ebp Implementation

Purpose The current investigation is a follow-up from a previous study examining child language diagnostic decision making in school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs). The purpose of this study was to examine the SLPs' perspectives regarding the use of evidence-based practice (EBP) in their clinical work. Method Semistructured phone interviews were conducted with 25 school-based SLPs who previously participated in an earlier study by Fulcher-Rood et al. 2018). SLPs were asked questions regarding their definition of EBP, the value of research evidence, contexts in which they implement scientific literature in clinical practice, and the barriers to implementing EBP. Results SLPs' definitions of EBP differed from current definitions, in that SLPs only included the use of research findings. SLPs seem to discuss EBP as it relates to treatment and not assessment. Reported barriers to EBP implementation were insufficient time, limited funding, and restrictions from their employment setting. SLPs found it difficult to translate research findings to clinical practice. SLPs implemented external research evidence when they did not have enough clinical expertise regarding a specific client or when they needed scientific evidence to support a strategy they used. Conclusions SLPs appear to use EBP for specific reasons and not for every clinical decision they make. In addition, SLPs rely on EBP for treatment decisions and not for assessment decisions. Educational systems potentially present other challenges that need to be considered for EBP implementation. Considerations for implementation science and the research-to-practice gap are discussed.

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