I would like to add to my message from yesterday [ https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/support-systems-36-who-voice-agency-emp... ]
As we discuss the question of 'How can decision-making processes for health systems strengthening and universal health coverage be made more inclusive, responsive and accountable?' it is important to see this from the perspective of policymakers.
1. What information do policymakers need to develop 'evidence-informed policy'?
It would be good to hear from policymakers (using the term in its broadest sense to include decision -makers at all levels of the health system) on HIFA. What is helpful and what is less helpful?
The WHO publication Evidence, policy, impact [ https://apps.who.int/iris/handle/10665/350994 ] suggests decision makers need four types of evidence:
'- Scientific (codified) evidence is produced through formal, rigorous research processes of defined methodological standards, making it explicit, systematic and replicable.
- Tacit (colloquial) evidence often includes opinions, expertise, lessons learned, organizational tradition of policy-makers, clinicians, patients or citizens and helps to contextualize and interpret scientific evidence
further
- Global evidence assembles the best available findings on a specific thematic or health issue from around the world, e.g. through a systematic review or an established, evidence-informed guideline
- Local evidence takes into account modifying factors in specific settings, e.g. through a primary study or programme monitoring data.'
2. What is the special role of civil society in providing evidence to support this process?
Again, what is the experience of policymakers in working with (or listening to) civil society input? What works well and what does not work?
Local and national NGOS can identify and highlight existing evidence. Such evidence may enable evidence-informed decision making but it also has the potential to distort (cherry-picking of evidence by influential CSOs can give undue emphasis to a specific issue).
It is easy to see how decision makers could become overwhelmed by a cacophony of demands from 100s of CSOs. (A person once told me in Africa that CSOs are like mosquitoes.) Could policymaking be better informed by coalitions of CSOs? What processes are most effective to enable decision makers while giving voice to CSOs?
Another thought is that even if we consider the perspective of policymakers and CSOs, the picture is incomplete and the end result will be limted in value. Is there potential for a truly multi-stakeholder and inclusive approach to inform policymaking?
I look forward to hear your thoughts on the above and indeed on any aspect of civil society, evidence and policy.
As a reminder here are our five guiding questions:
1. What does civil society participation in health policy mean and why is it important to have civil society participation in health policy processes?
2. Have you ever participated, either through a civil society organization or as an individual, in health policy processes at a national or sub-national level? What was your experience?
3. Can you share examples of the role of CSOs in policymaking at national or sub-national levels?
4. What do you think are the different types of evidence that civil society can provide, that otherwise would not be considered? What are the main drivers and barriers to uptake and use of such evidence?
5. From your perspective, what are promising practices for creating greater space for civil society participation in health policy processes and for using evidence from civil society more effectively to improve health policymaking for UHC at national and global level?
Best wishes, Neil
Joint Coordinator, HIFA SUPPORT-SYSTEMS
https://www.hifa.org/projects/new-support-systems-how-can-decision-makin...
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 global 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 official relations with WHO. HIFA brings stakeholders together to accelerate progress towards universal access to reliable healthcare information. Twitter: @hifa_org neil@hifa.org
