scholarly journals State of Research Quality and Knowledge Transfer and Translation and Capacity Strengthening Strategies for Sound Health Policy Decision-Making in Palestine

2021 ◽  
Vol 66 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed AlKhaldi ◽  
Hamza Meghari ◽  
Irene Anne Jillson ◽  
Abdulsalam Alkaiyat ◽  
Marcel Tanner
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Health Research ◽  
World Health ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Research Translation ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Key Informants

Objectives: Over the last 2 decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a global strategy and initiatives to establish a Health Research System (HRS) focusing on Health Research Quality and Standardization (HRQS), Health Research Knowledge Transfer and Dissemination (HRKTD), and Health Research Translation and Utilization into Health Care Decisions and Policies (HRTUDP). Despite the increase in health research productivity over the past several decades, HRS Capacity (HRSC) in Palestine and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has rarely been objectively evaluated. This study aims at eliciting the perceptions of HRS performers in Palestine in order to understand the status of HRSC, identify gaps, and generate policies and solutions capable of strengthening HRSC in Palestine.Methods: Key informants from three sectors, namely government, academia, and local and international organizations, were selected purposively based on different sampling methods: criterion, critical case, snowball, and homogeneous sampling. Fifty-two in-depth interviews with key informants and a total of fifty-two individuals, participating in six focus groups, were conducted by the principal investigator in Palestine. Data were analyzed by using MAXQDA 12.Results: The overall pattern of the Palestinian HRSC is relatively weak. The key findings revealed that while HR productivity in Palestine is improving, HRQS is at an average level and quality guidelines are not followed due to paucity of understanding, policies, and resources. HRKTD is a central challenge with both a dearth of conceptualization of translational science and inadequate implementation. The factors related to inadequate HRKTD include lack of awareness on the part of the researchers, inadequate regulatory frameworks and mechanisms for both communication and collaboration between and among researchers and policy-makers and clinicians, and lack of availability of, and credibility in, systematized and reliable HR data. Despite the limited knowledge translation, in general, HRTUDP is not considered an essential decision-making methodology mainly due to the lack of interface between knowledge producers (researchers) and users (policymakers), understanding level, HR credibility and availability of applied research, and governance, resources, and political fluctuations. Recommendations to strengthen HRS in Palestine include: a consolidated research regulatory framework and an effective capacity strengthening strategy overseen by Palestinian authorities; the promotion of HRQS and concepts and practices of translational science; and, most importantly, the use of findings for evidence-based policies and practice.Conclusion: Strengthening HRSC is both an imperative step and an opportunity to improve the Palestinian health system and ensure it is based on research evidence and knowledge. Building a successful HRS characterized by capacities of high-quality research and well-disseminated and translated knowledge is a prerequisite to effective health systems and services. This can be achieved by political commitment to support such strengthening, a consolidated leadership and governance structure, and a strong operational capacity strengthening strategy.

scholarly journals Health Research Capacities in Palestine: High-quality and Proper Knowledge Transfer and Translation for Sound Decision-making

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed AlKhaldi ◽  
Hamza Meghari ◽  
Irene Anne Jillson ◽  
Abdulsalam Alkaiyat ◽  
Marcel Tanner ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Health Research ◽  
World Health ◽  
Research Translation ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Key Informants

Abstract Background: Over the last two decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a global strategy and initiatives to build robust capacity for a Health Research System (HRS) focusing on Health Research Quality and Standardization (HRQS), Health Research Knowledge Transfer and Dissemination (HRKTD), and Health Research Translation and Utilization into Health Care Decisions and Policies (HRTUDP). Despite the expansion of health research productivity for several decades, HRS Capacity (HRSC) in Palestine and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region generally has rarely been objectively evaluated. This study aims at eliciting the perceptions of HRS performers in Palestine in order to understand the status of the capacities of HRS, identify gaps, and to generate policies and solutions capable of strengthening HRSC in Palestine.Methods: Purposive methods were used in this qualitative study to identify key informants from three sectors; government, academia, and local and international organizations. Fifty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants and a total of fifty-two individuals participated in six focus groups. Data were analyzed by using MAXQDA 12.Results: The overall pattern of the Palestinian HRS capacities is relatively weak. The key findings revealed that while HR productivity in Palestine is improving, HRQS is at an average level and quality guidelines are not followed due to paucity of understanding, policies, resources. HRKTD is a central challenge with both a dearth of conceptualization of translational science and inadequate implementation. The factors related to inadequate HRKTD include lack of awareness on the part of the researchers; inadequate regulatory frameworks and mechanisms for both communication and collaboration between and among researchers and policy-makers and clinicians; lack of availability of and credibility in systematized and reliable HR data. Despite the limited knowledge translation, in general, HRTUDP is not considered as an essential decision-making methodology mainly due to lack of knowledge producers and policy-makers interface, understanding level, HR credibility and availability of applied research, and governance, resources, and political fluctuations. A consolidating regulatory framework and an effective capacity strengthening strategy to promote HRQS as well as an understanding of concepts and practices of translational science and, most importantly, the use of findings for evidence-based policies and practice are substantial recommendations to make HRS well-capacitated and strengthened. Conclusions: Strengthening HRSC is both an imperative step and an opportunity to improve the Palestinian health system based on research evidence and knowledge. Building a successful HRS characterized by capacities of high-quality research and well-disseminated and translated knowledge is a prerequisite to effective health systems and services. This can be achieved by a political commitment to support such strengthening, consolidated leadership and governance structure, and a strong operational capacity strengthening strategy.

scholarly journals Health Research Capacities in Palestine: High-quality and Proper Knowledge Transfer and Translation for Sound Decision-making

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammed AlKhaldi ◽  
Hamza Meghari ◽  
Irene Anne Jillson ◽  
Abdulsalam Alkaiyat ◽  
Marcel Tanner
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Health Research ◽  
World Health ◽  
Research Translation ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Key Informants

Abstract Background: Over the last two decades, the World Health Organization (WHO) has proposed a global strategy and initiatives to build robust capacity for a Health Research System (HRS) focusing on Health Research Quality and Standardization (HRQS), Health Research Knowledge Transfer and Dissemination (HRKTD), and Health Research Translation and Utilization into Health Care Decisions and Policies (HRTUDP). Despite the expansion of health research productivity for several decades, HRS Capacity (HRSC) in Palestine and in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region generally has rarely been objectively evaluated. This study aims at eliciting the perceptions of HRS performers in Palestine in order to understand the status of the capacities of HRS, identify gaps, and to generate policies and solutions capable of strengthening HRSC in Palestine.Methods: Purposive methods were used in this qualitative study to identify key informants from three sectors; government, academia, and local and international organizations. Fifty-two in-depth interviews were conducted with key informants and a total of fifty-two individuals participated in six focus groups. Data were analyzed by using MAXQDA 12.Results: The overall pattern of the Palestinian HRS capacities is relatively weak. The key findings revealed that while HR productivity in Palestine is improving, HRQS is at an average level and quality guidelines are not followed due to paucity of understanding, policies, resources. HRKTD is a central challenge with both a dearth of conceptualization of translational science and inadequate implementation. The factors related to inadequate HRKTD include lack of awareness on the part of the researchers; inadequate regulatory frameworks and mechanisms for both communication and collaboration between and among researchers and policy-makers and clinicians; lack of availability of and credibility in systematized and reliable HR data. Despite the limited knowledge translation, in general, HRTUDP is not considered as an essential decision-making methodology mainly due to lack of knowledge producers and policy-makers interface, understanding level, HR credibility and availability of applied research, and governance, resources, and political fluctuations. A consolidating regulatory framework and an effective capacity strengthening strategy to promote HRQS as well as an understanding of concepts and practices of translational science and, most importantly, the use of findings for evidence-based policies and practice are substantial recommendations to make HRS well-capacitated and strengthened. Conclusions: Strengthening HRSC is both an imperative step and an opportunity to improve the Palestinian health system based on research evidence and knowledge. Building a successful HRS characterized by capacities of high-quality research and well-disseminated and translated knowledge is a prerequisite to effective health systems and services. This can be achieved by a political commitment to support such strengthening, consolidated leadership and governance structure, and a strong operational capacity strengthening strategy.

scholarly journals EMTReK: An Evidence-based Model for the Transfer & Exchange of Research Knowledge—Five Case Studies in Palliative Care

2019 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. 237796081986185 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cathy Payne ◽  
Mary J. Brown ◽  
Suzanne Guerin ◽  
W. George Kernohan
Keyword(s):  
Palliative Care ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Case Studies ◽  
Research Quality ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Positive Role ◽  
Care Research ◽  
Knowledge Transfer And Exchange ◽  
Evidence Based Model

Knowledge transfer is recognized as a vital stage in evidence-informed nursing with several models available to guide the process. Although the main components commonly involve identification of messages, stakeholders, processes and contexts, the underpinning models remain largely unrefined and untested; and they need to be evaluated. We set out to explore the use of our “Evidence-based Model for Transfer & Exchange of Research Knowledge” (EMTReK) within palliative care research. Between January 2016 and May 2017, data were collected from five case studies which used the EMTReK model as a means to transfer knowledge relating to palliative care research, undertaken in Ireland. A qualitative approach was taken with thematic analysis of case documentation, semistructured interviews, and field notes from the case studies. Qualitative analysis supports the core components of EMTReK as a model of knowledge transfer and exchange in palliative care. Results focused upon identification of messages to be transferred to defined stakeholders through interactive processes that take account of context. Case study findings show how the model was interpreted and operationalized by participants and demonstrate its impact on knowledge transfer and exchange. Eight themes were drawn from the data: Credibility of the Model, Model Accessibility, Applicability to Palliative Care, A Matter of Timing, Positive Role of Facilitation, Required Resources, Enhancing Research Quality, Limitations or Areas for Further Consideration. Study participants found EMTReK to be a useful guide when making knowledge transfer plans. Success depended upon adequate facilitation and guidance. Further exploration of the model's utility is warranted.

scholarly journals A conceptual framework for capacity strengthening of health research in conflict: the case of the Middle East and North Africa region

2019 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nassim El Achi ◽  
Andreas Papamichail ◽  
Anthony Rizk ◽  
Helen Lindsay ◽  
Marilyne Menassa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Middle East ◽  
Conceptual Framework ◽  
North Africa ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Research Capacity ◽  
Mena Region ◽  
Research Knowledge ◽  
Capacity Strengthening ◽  
Conflict Settings ◽  
Research Capacity Strengthening

Abstract Background In conflict settings, research capacities have often been de-prioritized as resources are diverted to emergency needs, such as addressing elevated morbidity, mortality and health system challenges directly and/or indirectly associated to war. This has had an adverse long-term impact in such protracted conflicts such as those found in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA), where research knowledge and skills have often been compromised. In this paper, we propose a conceptual framework for health research capacity strengthening that adapts existing models and frameworks in low- and middle-income countries and uses our knowledge of the MENA context to contextualise them for conflict settings. Methods The framework was synthesized using “best fit” framework synthesis methodology. Relevant literature, available in English and Arabic, was collected through PubMed, Google Scholar and Google using the keywords: capacity building; capacity strengthening; health research; framework and conflict. Grey literature was also assessed. Results The framework is composed of eight principal themes: “structural levels”, “the influence of the external environment”, “funding, community needs and policy environment”, “assessing existing capacity and needs”, “infrastructure and communication”, “training, leadership and partnership”, “adaptability and sustainability”, and “monitoring and evaluation”; with each theme being supported by examples from the MENA region. Our proposed framework takes into consideration safety, infrastructure, communication and adaptability as key factors that affect research capacity strengthening in conflict. As it is the case more generally, funding, permissible political environments and sustainability are major determinants of success for capacity strengthening for health research programmes, though these are significantly more challenging in conflict settings. Nonetheless, health research capacity strengthening should remain a priority. Conclusion The model presented is the first framework that focuses on strengthening health research capacity in conflict with a focus on the MENA region. It should be viewed as a non-prescriptive reference tool for health researchers and practitioners, from various disciplines, involved in research capacity strengthening to evaluate, use, adapt and improve. It can be further extended to include representative indicators and can be later evaluated by assessing its efficacy for interventions in conflict settings.

scholarly journals The answer is 17 years, what is the question: understanding time lags in translational research

2011 ◽  
Vol 104 (12) ◽  
pp. 510-520 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoë Slote Morris ◽  
Steven Wooding ◽  
Jonathan Grant
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Translational Research ◽  
Health Research ◽  
Investment Decisions ◽  
Health Interventions ◽  
Research Translation ◽  
Time Lags ◽  
Translation Process ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Current State

This study aimed to review the literature describing and quantifying time lags in the health research translation process. Papers were included in the review if they quantified time lags in the development of health interventions. The study identified 23 papers. Few were comparable as different studies use different measures, of different things, at different time points. We concluded that the current state of knowledge of time lags is of limited use to those responsible for R&D and knowledge transfer who face difficulties in knowing what they should or can do to reduce time lags. This effectively ‘blindfolds’ investment decisions and risks wasting effort. The study concludes that understanding lags first requires agreeing models, definitions and measures, which can be applied in practice. A second task would be to develop a process by which to gather these data.

Post COVID-19 Potentials and Innovation: The Future Supply Chain

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (SPL1) ◽  
pp. 1054-1057
Author(s):  
Bindu Swetha Pasuluri ◽  
Anuradha S G ◽  
Manga J ◽  
Deepak Karanam
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Decision Making ◽  
Supply Chain ◽  
Supply Chains ◽  
World Health Organization ◽  
World Wide ◽  
World Health ◽  
Future Supply ◽  
Entire World ◽  
Health Organization

An unanticipated outburst of pneumonia of inexperienced in Wuhan, , China stated in December 2019. World health organization has recognized pathogen and termed it COVID-19. COVID-19 turned out to be a severe urgency in the entire world. The influence of this viral syndrome is now an intensifying concern. Covid-19 has changed our mutual calculus of ambiguity. It is more world-wide in possibility, more deeply , and much more difficult than any catastrophe that countries and organizations have ever faced. The next normal requires challenging ambiguity head-on and building it into decision-making. It is examined that every entity involved in running supply chains would require through major as employee, product, facility protocols, and transport would have to be in place. It is an urgent need of structuring to apply the lessons well-read for our supply chain setup. With higher managers now being aware of the intrinsic hazards in their supply chain, key and suggestions-recommendations will help to guide leader to commit to a newly planned, more consistent supply chain setup. Besides, the employees’ mental health is also a great concern.

scholarly journals Research use at the Ministry of Health in Burkina Faso: the decision-makers’ perspective

2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian Dagenais
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Knowledge Transfer ◽  
Burkina Faso ◽  
Informed Decision ◽  
Communication Strategy ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Research Use ◽  
Informed Decision Making ◽  
Ministry Of Health ◽  
Policy Makers

Abstract Background Despite the increased emphasis placed on the use of evidence for policy development, relatively few initiatives have been developed to support evidence-informed decision-making, especially in West Africa. Moreover, studies examining the conditions under which policy-makers use research-based evidence are still scarce, but they show that their attitudes and opinions about research are one of the main determinants of such use. In February 2017, Burkina Faso’s Minister of Health planned to create a unit to promote evidence-informed decision-making within the ministry. Before the unit was set up, documenting the attitudes towards research at the highest levels of his Ministry appeared profitable to the unit’s planning. Method Individual interviews were conducted by the author with 14 actors positioned to consider evidence during decision-making from the Burkina Faso’s Minister of health cabinet. An interview grid was used to explore several themes such as attitudes towards research, obstacles and facilitators to research use, example of research use in decision-making and finally, ways to increase decision-makers’ participation in knowledge transfer activities. Interviews were partially transcribed and analysed by the author. Results The results show a mixed attitude towards research and relatively little indication of research use reported by respondents. Important obstacles were identified: evidence inaccessibility, lack of implementation guidelines, absence of clear communication strategy and studies’ lack of relevance for decision-making. Many suggestions were proposed such as raising awareness, improving access and research communication and prioritizing interactions with researchers. Respondents agree with the low participation of decision-makers in knowledge transfer activities: more leadership from the senior officials was suggested and greater awareness of the importance of their presence. Conclusions The conclusion presents avenues for reflection and action to increase the potential impact of the knowledge transfer unit planned within the Ministry of Health of Burkina Faso. This innovative initiative will be impactful if the obstacles identified in this study and policy-makers’ preferences and needs are taken into account during its development and implementation.

scholarly journals Women’s empowerment for abortion and family planning decision making among marginalized women in Nepal: a mixed method study

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Heera KC ◽  
Mangala Shrestha ◽  
Nirmala Pokharel ◽  
Surya Raj Niraula ◽  
Prajjwal Pyakurel ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Family Planning ◽  
Mixed Method ◽  
Women's Empowerment ◽  
Women’S Empowerment ◽  
Key Informants ◽  
Marginalized Communities ◽  
Modern Contraceptives ◽  
Marginalized Women ◽  
Planning Decision

Abstract Background Women’s empowerment is multidimensional. Women’s education, employment, income, reproductive healthcare decision making, household level decision making and social status are vital for women’s empowerment. Nepal is committed to achieving women empowerment and gender equality, which directly affects the reproductive health issues. This can be achieved by addressing the issues of the poor and marginalized communities. In this context, we aimed to find the association of women’s empowerment with abortion and family planning decision making among marginalized women in Nepal. Methods A cross sectional study was conducted at selected municipalities of Morang district of Nepal from February 2017 to March 2018. A mixed method approach was used, where 316 married marginalized women of reproductive age (15–49 years) and 15 key informant interviews from representative healthcare providers and local leaders were taken. From key informants, data were analysed using the thematic framework method. Findings obtained from two separate analyses were drawn together and meta inferences were made. Results Women’s empowerment was above average, at 50.6%. Current use of modern contraceptives were more among below average empowerment groups (p 0.041, OR 0.593 C.I. 0.36–0.98). We could not find any statistically significant differences among levels of women’s empowerment, including those women with abortion knowledge (p 0.549); family planning knowledge (p 0.495) and women’s decision for future use of modern contraceptives (p 0.977). Most key informants reported that unsafe abortion was practiced. Conclusions Women’s empowerment has no direct role for family planning and abortion decision making at marginalized communities of Morang district of Nepal. However, different governmental and non-governmental organizations influence woman for seeking health care services and family planning in rural community of Nepal irrespective of empowerment status.

scholarly journals The state of health research governance in Africa: what do we know and how can we improve?

2021 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliet Nabyonga-Orem ◽  
James Avoka Asamani ◽  
Micheal Makanga
Keyword(s):  
Health Research ◽  
Research Collaboration ◽  
Focal Point ◽  
Research Integrity ◽  
Dual Role ◽  
Research Governance ◽  
World Health ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Scientific Review

Abstract Background The developments in global health, digital technology, and persistent health systems challenges, coupled with global commitments like attainment of universal health coverage, have elevated the role of health research in low- and middle-income countries. However, there is a need to strengthen health research governance and create a conducive environment that can promote ethics and research integrity and increase public trust in research. Objective To assess whether the necessary structures are in place to ensure health research governance. Methods Employing a cross-sectional survey, we collected data on research governance components from 35 Member States of the World Health Organization (WHO) African Region. Data were analysed using basic descriptive and comparative analysis. Results Eighteen out of 35 countries had legislation to regulate the conduct of health research, while this was lacking in 12 countries. Some legislation was either grossly outdated or too limiting in scope, while some countries had multiple laws. Health research policies and strategies were in place in 16 and 15 countries, respectively, while research priority lists were available in 25 countries. Overlapping mandates of institutions responsible for health research partly explained the lack of strategic documents in some countries. The majority of countries had ethical committees performing a dual role of ethical and scientific review. Research partnership frameworks were available to varying degrees to govern both in-country and north–south research collaboration. Twenty-five countries had a focal point and unit within the ministries of health (MoH) to coordinate research. Conclusion Governance structures must be adaptive to embrace new developments in science. Further, strong coordination is key to ensuring comprehensiveness and complementarity in both research development and generation of evidence. The majority of committees perform a dual role of ethics and scientific review, and these need to ensure representation of relevant expertise. Opportunities that accrue from collaborative research need to be seized through strong MoH leadership and clear partnership frameworks that guide negotiations.

scholarly journals Transdisciplinary Translational Science for Youth Health and Wellness: Introduction to a Special Issue

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley T. Scudder ◽  
Gregory J. Welk ◽  
Richard Spoth ◽  
Constance C. Beecher ◽  
Michael C. Dorneich ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Real World ◽  
Social Needs ◽  
Research Network ◽  
World Health ◽  
Translational Science ◽  
Community Practice ◽  
Health And Wellness ◽  
Youth Health ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches

Abstract Background Transdisciplinary translational science applies interdisciplinary approaches to the generation of novel concepts, theories and methods involving collaborations among academic and non-academic partners, in order to advance the translation of science into broader community practice. Objective This paper introduces a special issue on transdisciplinary translational science for youth health and wellness. We provide an overview of relevant research paradigms, share the related goals of the Iowa State University Translational Research Network (U-TuRN), and introduce the specific papers in the issue. Method Authors were asked to submit empirical reports, programmatic reviews or policy-related papers that examined youth health issues from a transdisciplinary translational perspective. Results The papers included in this special issue each involve direct and fully-integrated community-university partnerships and collaborations between academic and non-academic partners in scholarship and research. Reports emphasize the value of the applied nature of the work with a research agenda driven primarily by real-world health and social needs. Conclusions There is growing acceptance of the need for transdisciplinary, community-university collaborative research approaches as a means to meet both the requirements posed by real-world problems as well as goals of advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. In this issue, readers will find papers that show the promise of rethinking existing conceptual frameworks to incorporate transdisciplinary approaches as a catalyst to addressing translational science questions related to the field of children and youth care.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document