Welcome to our thematic discussion on Effective communication of health research to policymakers, supported by TDR.
Question 1 of our discussion is: "What do we mean by ˜Effective communication of health research to policymakers? How do we measure it?"
I'll offer a few reflections based on the meetings of the HIFA working group for this project.
The first thing to note is that there is no absolute definition of 'effective', 'communication', 'health research' or 'policymakers'. So we are not seeking an absolute definition of '˜Effective communication of health research to policymakers'.
Instead we want to start with this question so that we all develop a collective understanding of the scope and purpose of this discussion.
The HIFA working group offers the following points for discussion and exploration:
1. The main aim of this discussion is to identify the most impactful methods for researchers to communicate their research to policymakers. For example, how can research be better packaged and communicated, including for example the role of policy briefs as well as academic journals, videos, social media, infographics, newsletters, use of video, and newsletter content?
2. We are looking primarily from the perspective of researchers. From their point of view, this means that their research is considered by policymakers where appropriate. This implies that it is visible, accessible, clear and readily understandable, that it is seen by policymakers as relevant and reliable, and that it is in a format that meets the perceived needs of policymakers.
3. 'Health research', for the purposes of this discussion, is inclusive. We invite you to discuss the communication of primary research (eg randomised controlled trials, observational studies, implementation research, operational research), secondary research (eg systematic reviews), and tertiary research (where cumulative evidence is operationalised in, for example, the form of policy briefs and clinical guidelines). We also invite you to consider research at all levels: global, national, local.
4. The term 'policymakers' includes not only those who make health Policy decisions (big "P") at national or subnational levels, but also those who make policy decisions (little "p") in programme implementation.
5. The question 'How do we measure it?' invites us to assess the effectiveness of different methods of communication. What indicators can we use to measure the effectiveness of communication?
Research communication is a highly complex issue that is integrated in a wider sphere of policymaking, where many factors influenc politicians other than evidence and the way evidence is communicated. I'm sure we'll touch on these issues but as we proceed I invite you to keep a focus on what researchers can do to increase their impact.
Looking forward to discuss any of the above with you further. Please send your comments to: hifa@hifaforums.org
Best wishes, Neil
Joint Coordinator, HIFA Communicating health research
https://www.hifa.org/projects/new-effective-communication-health-researc...
Let's build a future where every person has access to reliable healthcare information and is protected from misinformation - Join HIFA: www.hifa.org
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of the HIFA global health movement (Healthcare Information For All - www.hifa.org ), a global community with more than 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting on six global forums in four languages in collaboration with WHO. HIFA brings stakeholders together to accelerate progress towards universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK based non-profit in official relations with the World Health Organization.
Twitter: @hifa_org neil@hifa.org
