Thinking differently about evidence: Collaborating with policy makers to create, share and apply knowledge for public health
Public health research generates a wealth of evidence but there are challenges when it comes to making that evidence available to audiences beyond the research sector. In today’s post, VicHealth (@VicHealth) Research Fellow Alexandra Chung (@Chung_Alexandra) of Monash University (@MonashNutrition) discusses a unique project that demonstrates the value of collaborative approaches to create and share knowledge with policymakers.
Traditional methods of evidence synthesis
The first 2000 days are critical for human health and development, but it can seem daunting how to embed critical actions into policy. Collaborating directly with policy actors can help. Photo credit: Photo by Jukan Tateisi on Unsplash
Research plays a critical role in evidence-informed policy, and systematic reviews have long been used to synthesize evidence to guide decision making. In this typically linear model, researchers identify questions, search, and synthesise evidence, and share their findings with others. However, systematic reviews typically prioritize research evidence and lack input from policymakers. Yet policymakers have extensive knowledge and contextual insights that cannot be gleaned from research alone.
A broader definition of knowledge
If we want to move beyond traditional methods of evidence synthesis and take a broader view of knowledge, we can look to the emerging practice of knowledge mobilisation. This practice aims to create, share, and apply knowledge with consideration of the knowledge held by individuals, gained through their experience and understanding of contextual factors such as policy processes or practice insight.
Knowledge mobilisation is undertaken for the purpose of achieving public good. In a recent paper, my colleagues and I conceptualised knowledge mobilisation as the meaningful use of evidence and expertise to align research, policy, and practice in order to improve health outcomes. We applied this novel approach in two distinct public health projects that combined public health evidence, policy experience and communications expertise.
Collaboration to create knowledge
This alignment of research, policy, and practice to create and share knowledge can best be achieved through collaboration. Collaborating with stakeholders outside of the research community offers a multi-perspective view on complex issues, in which everyone benefits. Collaborating with policymakers to mobilise knowledge allows researchers to look at evidence alongside the extensive knowledge held by policymakers. Engaging with policy makers in this way can help make research evidence more relevant and accessible to decision makers.
In a project focused on prevention in the first 2000 days we facilitated policy roundtables to engage with policymakers throughout the research process. We first asked policymakers how research could support them in their work. We used their answers to guide a targeted review of evidence. These findings were presented for discussion at a second policy roundtable, designed to create a synthesis of knowledge based on shared learnings and insights. In this process, policy makers were involved in developing research questions, integrating their knowledge, and jointly considering the implications of findings in practice. The process facilitated discussions between policy makers and researchers, allowing exploration into the scope and implications of research findings in real-world contexts.
Collaboration to share and apply knowledge
A collaborative approach to knowledge mobilization aims to ensure that outputs are not only policy relevant but also shared in engaging and meaningful ways. Effectively conveying complex information to non-scientific audiences is more art than science.
In our first 2000 days example, the role of science communication experts was integral to the development of key messages that reflect both the research evidence and policymaker insights. Collaborators skilled in science communication helped ensure the knowledge generated was shared in appropriate formats, tailored for different audiences.
Research tells us that a collaborative approach that engages policymakers in the research process facilitates alignment with the policy agenda and enhances the likelihood that findings will be applied to policy and program development.
Mutual benefits of collaboration
Collaboration is not without its challenges. Establishing and maintaining relationships takes time, resources, and commitment from all parties. But the benefits are clear.
When researchers and policymakers work together to create knowledge, evidence can be contextualised and tailored to meet policy and practice needs. Collaborations with other stakeholders, such as consumers, are also essential to ensure knowledge is created from diverse opinions and lived experiences.
Engaging in collaborative processes for knowledge mobilization has advantages for researchers and public health policymakers. Collaborations facilitate the convergence of stakeholders, foster connections between researchers and policymakers, offers researchers deeper insights into the requirements of policymakers, and leads to the creation of knowledge that directly addresses the needs of policy and practice. The shared outcome for everyone is better public health policy.
Alexandra Chung currently holds a VicHealth Postdoctoral Research Fellowship. Her views may not reflect the position of VicHealth.
Posted by Susan Maury (@SusanMaury)