The availability and use of reliable healthcare information is dependent on a global evidence ecosystem (the term ‘evidence’ applies here specifically to healthcare evidence). HIFA uses the following graphic to describe the global evidence ecosystem here, which you can see at Q3 of our survey (and complete our survey at the same time!):
Do you primarily:
generate healthcare evidence (e.g. researcher)
publish healthcare evidence (e.g. journal editor)
synthesise healthcare evidence (e.g. systematic reviewer, guideline developer)
package healthcare evidence (e.g. publisher of manuals for health workers)
help people to find healthcare evidence (e.g. library and information professional)
apply healthcare evidence for better health (e.g. patient, health worker, policymaker)
other (please specify)
The rationale for this question in the survey is twofold:
1. We want to invite people to think of themselves as part of a global evidence ecosystem. The rationale for HIFA is that the availability and use of reliable healthcare information is dependent on the functionality of the whole system, and that all components of the system need to work harmoniously to achieve universal access (generate, publish, synthesise...)
2. The data we collect from this question will be helpful when we come to assess the results of the survey. For example, it will be useful to know what percentage of respondents see themselves primarily as generators, publishers or synthesisers of evidence.
It's worth noting that there are other representations of the global evidence ecosystem, each of which has strengths and weaknesses. The graphic used by HIFA is intended to be easy to understand and conveys the interdependence of the system. At the same time, the graphic is deliberately simplified and does not convey detail.
Best wishes, Neil
HIFA profile: Neil Pakenham-Walsh is coordinator of HIFA (Healthcare Information For All), a global health community that brings all stakeholders together around the shared goal of universal access to reliable healthcare information. HIFA has 20,000 members in 180 countries, interacting in four languages and representing all parts of the global evidence ecosystem. HIFA is administered by Global Healthcare Information Network, a UK-based nonprofit in official relations with the World Health Organization. Email: neil@hifa.org
