WHO [E2P] – PODCAST SERIES

Evidence is only one part of the policy making decision. Other dimensions need to be taken into account, such as economic considerations and how it fits with the rest of health services. Evidence is not enough for a decision in and of itself.

Health research is not a luxury, but an integral part of every health system. Embedded within the health system it leads to a constant improvement cycle.

In order to do research, investment in capacity across the whole spectrum is needed, not only for researchers, but also implementers, in order to achieve a democratization of research A well trained workforce in research can be quickly translated into shifting priorities.

The conversation between science and policy needs to be improved. Researchers need to know how to write a policy brief which translates scientific information into a clear: statement of the problem, statement of the issues and statement of the possible solution.

Summary

Q1 - 00:46 to 02:22 > You have an impressive career in medical research and leading international research organizations. Already while being Director of the Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research from 2000-2006, you were working on translating scientific findings into policy for improved health. Can you tell us about your lessons learned in facilitating the uptake of research in policy and decision-making?

Q2 - 02:23 to 04:06 > Moving from translating medical research in Papua New Guinea to WHO. As part of the transformation process of the World Health Organization, the WHO Director-General established the Science Division, including the Research for Health Department which you are heading. Can you give us a brief overview of the Department’s mandate in promoting evidence-informed decision-making?

Q3 - 04:07 to 06:48 > What are your three pieces of advice for evidence-informed decision-making during crises, such as COVID-19?

Q4 - 06:49 to 10:51 > What has the COVID-19 pandemic taught you about evidence-informed decision-making and member state?

Q5 - 10:52 to 12:37 > Would you have any additional advice to our listeners interested in promoting evidence-informed decision-making?

A receptive culture for the use of evidence needs to be created. One important prerequisite for a receptive culture is trust between policy makers and the scientific community.

Research needs to reflect the needs and priorities of policy makers and therefore requires an active engagement with policy makers in terms of priority setting.

Evidence needs to be tailored to context and accessible to all. This often requires having a platform to promote exchange and collaboration between all relevant stakeholders.

Impact should be the driving force and needs to be measured continuously. A policy dialogue might not be enough to achieve impact. Active advocacy by targeting intermediaries, such as media, can be also used to inform policy makers.

The COVID-19 pandemic created a strong demand for evidence to guide decision making, which now needs to be translated into strengthened institutional structures and mechanisms for better pandemic preparedness.

Summary

Q1 - 01:27 to 07:19 > You have worked with evidence-informed decision-making for many years. What’s your most important lessons learned on how to bridge the gap between evidence and policy?

Q2 - 07:21 to 11:06 > How have you, as a knowledge intermediary, handled situations in the past when decision-makers wouldn’t ‘listen’ to or consider the best available evidence?

Q3 - 11:07 to 20:20 > What has the COVID-19 pandemic taught you about evidence-informed decision-making?

Q4 - 20:21 to 25:53 > What are your three pieces of advice for evidence-informed decision-making during crises, such as COVID-19?

Q5 - 25:54 to 28:45 > Would you have any additional advice to our listeners interested in promoting evidence-informed decision-making?

In this podcast Professor John Lavis, Director of the McMaster Health Forum’s Impact Lab and Forum+, shares his most important lessons learned on how to bridge the gap between evidence and policy.

He also reflects upon what the COVID-19 pandemic has taught the world about evidence-informed decision-making.

And finally, he develops three strategies on how to improve evidence-informed decision-making during crises.

Summary

Q1 - 01:11 to 03:41 > You have worked with evidence-informed decision-making for many years. What’s your most important lessons learned on how to bridge the gap between evidence and policy?

Q2 - 03:41 to 06:17 > From your perspective, how will/did the Evidence-to-Policy Summit spark action on bridging the gap between evidence and policy?

Q3 - 06:18 to 10:41 > What has the COVID-19 pandemic taught you about evidence-informed decision-making?

Q4 - 10:42 to 13:49 > Could you please comment on the role of trust between researchers and decision-makers?

Q5 - 13:50 to 18:22 > What are your three pieces of advice for evidence-informed decision-making during crises, such as COVID-19?