Re: https://www.hifa.org/dgroups-rss/support-systems-new-hifa-driven-article...
Many thanks to principal investigator Unni Gopinathan, who wrote: "I am pleased to share an article that is the result of a collaboration between members of a research project - Supporting inclusive and accountable health systems decisions for universal health coverage (https://www.fhi.no/prosjekter/support-systems/) - and HIFA members... Civil Society's Evidence-Generating Role for Health Policy Decisions: A Thematic Analysis of a Healthcare Information for All (HIFA) Community Online Discussion
Available here: https://www.ijhpm.com/article_4750.html
"These insights informed a systematic review that is currently being undertaken, exploring the use of evidence from civil society in health policy processes. We will later in Autumn initiate a second thematic discussion [on HIFA], focusing on the implications of practice of the review, as well as primary research findings from Ghana and Kenya."
ABSTRACT
Civil society actors are widely recognized for advocating the public interest in health policy. However, their role in contributing different types of evidence to inform policy is less explored. To explore this topic, members of the Healthcare Information for All (HIFA) online forum and the SUPPORT-SYSTEMS research project conducted a four-week online discussion. The discussion focused on defining civil society, its role in health policy, the types of evidence it provides, and how this evidence is used and valued. Weekly focal questions encouraged HIFA members to share experiences of civil society engagement and the use of evidence in health policymaking. The thematic analysis identified four key messages. First, defining civil society requires critical reflection, as actors differ significantly in their interests, political ties, and influence. These distinctions affect how representative their evidence is and whether it reflects vested interests. Second, policymaking structures can support meaningful civil society participation, thereby strengthening the use of evidence and the legitimacy of policy decisions. Third, civil society provides valuable local and tacit knowledge that complements scientific evidence, though safeguards are needed to prevent bias or misrepresentation. Fourth, political economy factors—such as power imbalances, gatekeeping, and funding constraints— shape the influence of civil society evidence on policy. Overall, the discussion highlighted the diverse roles civil society can play in health policy and the importance of institutional mechanisms to support responsible evidence use. Thematic discussions in communities of practice like HIFA offer a dynamic and inclusive approach to engaging stakeholder knowledge in research projects.
I would like to emphasise this last point: 'Thematic discussions in communities of practice like HIFA offer a dynamic and inclusive approach to engaging stakeholder knowledge in research projects.'
HIFA now has substantial and successful experience in running in-depth thematic discussions as part of larger health systems research projects. This is an innovative approach that we would like to develop further.
If any HIFA member is planning a new health systems research project that would benefit from in-depth discussion among the full range of stakeholders - especially if it relates to the HIFA remit of evidence-informed policy and practice - please get in touch. The best time to consider this is during the research proposal stage, as you can include a small budget line (£5k+) for HIFA.
HIFA Projects collectively provide more than two-thirds of HIFA's total income and we are keen to have more!
For more info see www.hifa.org/projects
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