Research Findings into Policy and Practice

There are a number of factors that inhibit the translation and use of research evidence. Currently there is wide separation between teams that undertake health research, those making decisions on health priorities and policies, and those who are delivering healthcare, particularly in resource-limited settings. Research considered “successful” typically concludes with the publishing of papers. Less attention is paid to how, and indeed if, those findings are made visible and accessible to those tasked with decision-making.
Those working in delivering health care are often not aware of new interventions and have no means to determine if they would bring benefit to their community. Such health interventions could be novel treatments or new approaches to practice and prevention that would serve to address their local health priorities. Health researchers, decision-makers and implementers need to work together better to ensure that research evidence can be taken up into policy and practice at all levels.

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