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.

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.

scholarly journals Levels of research evidence in health policy assessment in Malawi

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 226-250
Author(s):  
Patrick Mapulanga ◽  
Jaya Raju ◽  
Thomas Matingwina
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Empirical Evidence ◽  
Systematic Reviews ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Services Research ◽  
Policy Documents ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Policy Systems

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine levels of health research evidence in health policies in Malawi. Design/methodology/approach The study selected a typology of health policies in Malawi from 2002 to 2017. The study adopted the SPIRIT conceptual framework and assessed the levels of research evidence in health policy, systems and services research using the revised SAGE policy assessment tool. Documentary analysis was used to assess levels of health research evidence in health policies in Malawi. Findings In 29 (96.7 per cent) of the health policies, policy formulators including healthcare directors and managers used generic search engines such as Google or Google Scholar to look for heath research evidence. In 28 (93.3 per cent) of the health policies, they searched for grey literature and other government documents. In only 6 (20 per cent) of the heath policy documents, they used academic literature in a form of journal articles and randomised controlled trials. No systematic reviews or policy briefs were consulted. Overall, in 23 (76.7 per cent) of the health policy documents, health research evidence played a minimal role and had very little influence on the policy documents or decision-making. Research limitations/implications The empirical evidence in the health policy documents are limited because of insufficient research citation, low retrievability of health research evidence in the policy documents and biased selectivity of what constitutes health research evidence. Practical implications The study indicates that unfiltered information (data from policy evaluations and registries) constitutes majority of the research evidence in health policies both in health policy, systems and services research. The study seeks to advocate for the use of filtered information (peer reviewed, clinical trials and data from systematic reviews) in formulating health policies. Originality/value There is dearth of literature on the levels of health research evidence in health policy-making both in health policy, systems and services research. This study seeks to bridge the gap with empirical evidence from a developing country perspective.

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.

It can still happen here: systemic risk factors that may contribute to the continued abuse of people with intellectual disabilities

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 134-146 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dave Marsland ◽  
Peter Oakes ◽  
Naomi Bright
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Systemic Risk ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Critical Reflection ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Review Of Literature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Future Harm

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the response to the scandal of abuse in services for people with intellectual disabilities in the light of research evidence and analysis. Design/methodology/approach – Critical reflection and review of literature. In particular, recent research into possible indicators that a service is at risk of becoming abusive is used to test the hypotheses and implied solutions that are currently being adopted. Findings – That some of the responses to recent scandals are necessary but not sufficient to prevent future harm. Furthermore, some of the proposed solutions may actually increase the likelihood of further abuse. Prevention of abuse requires a broader and more evidence-based response. Originality/value – The synthesis of research and analysis presented here has not been presented previously in the published literature.

Commentary on “It can still happen here: systemic risk factors that may contribute to the continued abuse of people with intellectual disabilities”

2015 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 147-150
Author(s):  
Michele Wiese
Keyword(s):  
Implementation Science ◽  
Systemic Risk ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Disability Services ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The People ◽  
People With Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Systemic Risk Factors

Purpose – This commentary takes Marsland et al.’s paper about services at risk of becoming abusive to the people they support, as a platform to consider issues around implementation science and its role in minimising this risk. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach – The commentary is a selected review of implementation science. The research is used to define implementation, identify prerequisites, selectively review methods and comment on fidelity. Findings – The commentary proposes that implementation science has an important role in ensuring evidence-based practice transfers from research to disability services. Originality/value – The commentary offers a viewpoint based on combined research evidence and clinical practice.

scholarly journals Youth participatory research evidence to inform health policy: a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. e036522
Author(s):  
Janet Njelesani ◽  
Jean Hunleth
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Health Policy ◽  
Young People ◽  
Participatory Research ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Mixed Methods Research ◽  
Research Evidence ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Advisory Group ◽  
Active Dissemination

IntroductionYoung people’s participation in health research produces knowledge that is indispensable for creating appropriate and effective policies. However, how best to disseminate youth participatory research evidence to impact health policy is not known. Therefore, the objectives of this systematic review are to describe the evidence produced through youth participatory research, including the strategies used to disseminate youth participatory research evidence to health policymakers. These are necessary to improve policymakers’ use of youth participatory research evidence and, thereby, make programmes more impactful for young people.Methods and analysisThe meta-narrative methodology will guide the systematic review to highlight the contrasting and complementary evidence on the use of engaging youth in research to affect health policymaking. Relevant studies will be identified by searching electronic databases, including but not limited to EBSCO, PROQUEST, OVID Medline, Sociological Abstracts and Google Scholar from inception to December 2020. The methodological quality of included quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods research studies will be assessed using valid appraisal tools. The meta-narrative approach to analysis will include identifying meta-narratives of how youth participation informed the health research findings.Ethics and disseminationAn advisory group of young people will advise on the study and dissemination of the findings. As part of our plan for active dissemination, we will produce a policy brief that builds the rationale for using research with and by youth as part of an evidence base necessary for achieving youth health outcomes.

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.

scholarly journals Health Policies Formulation in Pakistan: An Analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 537-546
Author(s):  
Zeb-un Nisa ◽  
Muhammad Ashraf Nadeem ◽  
Ghulam Mustafa
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Policy Formulation ◽  
Policy Formation ◽  
Health Policies ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Policy Planning ◽  
Secondary Sources ◽  
Health Related ◽  
Credible Policies

Objective: A reviewing study of the health policy planning and formulation was initiated which explored the procedure of formulation of health policy and its implementation in Pakistan. The purpose of the study is to learn the procedure of health policy formulation and its implementation and to observe the issues in health system in Pakistan. Methodology: This study on health policy formulation was exploratory in nature. The research design was qualitative. The data was collected through secondary sources which includes research articles published in various journals and available on online sites. Moreover, data was also collected through books written on public policy by some foreign and local authors. Findings: The findings indicates that the planning and policy formation of the health sector in Pakistan is capable at the preparation level but not at the execution level. Implications: This paper recommends overcoming the health-related problems in Pakistan through formulation and implementation of sound, assertive and credible policies.

scholarly journals Evidence and the health policy process: from traditional evidence hierarchy to inclusive and multi-source methodology

2013 ◽  
Vol 2 (3) ◽  
pp. 106
Author(s):  
Francesca Celletti ◽  
Anna Wright ◽  
Eric Buch ◽  
Badara Samb
Keyword(s):  
Health Policy ◽  
Clinical Medicine ◽  
Health Sector ◽  
Policy Decision ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Policy Outcomes ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Political Issues ◽  
Effective Interventions ◽  
Wide Range

Calls for evidence-based health policy have gathered force as an extension of the movement for evidence-based medicine. In clinical medicine, major investment has been made in efforts to systematize the collection and analysis of data and distinguish effective interventions from those that are less likely to work. In contrast, there is little consensus on what data are needed and what research methods are suitable and acceptable to produce a robust evidence base for social policy in the health sector. Evidence gathering for health policy must synthesise diverse sources, recognise the extent to which context influences policy outcomes, accommodate potentially conflicting interests and be flexible enough to respond to the time and resources pressures that are at play. Despite the challenges, there is scope for the development of a methodology that can draw on a wide range of evidence sources while retaining sufficient scientific rigour. These sources should extend from data generated using causal methods (randomized controlled trials) to information that can shed light on the many contextual and political issues that are also pertinent to health policy decision making.  

Accounting for the unaccountable – coping with COVID

2020 ◽  
Vol 16 (4) ◽  
pp. 557-578
Author(s):  
Steven E. Salterio
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Evaluation ◽  
Research Synthesis ◽  
Research Literature ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
The North ◽  
Spanish Flu

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to understand what are the best projections of these events effects on organizations and economies. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic leads to a combination of economic and public health circumstances that challenge the accounting for and accountability of organizations that are mostly outside of their experience and that of academics for the past 50 years. Design/methodology/approach Through evidence-based policymaking research, evaluation and reporting tools the author draws on the extant research literature to develop estimates of likely effects of these events on organizations and economies. Findings The process of investigating this subject led the author to write a short research synthesis paper (Salterio 2020a) that summarized the historical economic evidence about the Spanish flu of 1918–1920 and various simulations of potential pandemic macroeconomic effects. This evidence allowed the author to quantify the potential effects of the crisis less than a month into the North American economic shutdown. Originality/value Using that research synthesis the author responded to the call for papers for this special issue by reflecting on the lessons that this crisis has for managers and organizations from both an accountability and accounting perspective.

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