“Policymakers sometimes struggle to understand research process. They often seek immediate solutions for today´s problems yet quality research can take a longer time.”

Researcher, Tanzania

Having evidence (knowledge) to be translated into action is crucial but can be challenging step due to various factors. First, the evidence might not be 'ready', requiring more studies to prove effectiveness or causality. Sometimes, a systematic review needs to be conducted or dissemination needs to be well considered. Users of evidence need to be involved early in conception, through implementation and dissemination. We highlight additional challenges related to evidence as follows.

Some common obstacles:

• The sheer volume of research evidence currently produced
• Research findings/results can be conflicting and do not always provide the clarity that policy makers need
• Poor timing and timeliness of research or its finding
• Access to research evidences
• Time to read EVIDENCE and the skills to appraise it
• Understand and apply research evidence
• Research that is not aligned with or informed by policy and action (therefore is not relevant to decision making)
• Unactionable research findings

SHORTLISTED TOOLS

1. Systematic and rapid reviews (PDF) is brief tool to synthesize evidence when existing findings are conflicting, not providing the clarity that policy makers need. (6 minute read)
2. Dissemination plan (PDF) tool provides clear guidance which allow researchers to effectively disseminate /communicate their findings to Policymakers (5 minute read)

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“It is the how part, how you can change things, what you should do. Researchers usually don’t do that, they put the research on the table and say now you figure out what to do”.

Policymaker, India

As the quote above demonstrates, there needs to be communication and collaboration between the stakeholders, in this case the researcher and policymaker. The community that should be served by the intervention cannot be expected to alone figure out the most suitable method for implementation. Just as the researcher must engage with the end users and context to better determine suitable approaches for implementation, the community that is being affected must be aware of the research implications and understand the added benefit of the intervention for them. If mutual understanding, respect and trust are present, there is a much larger chance of collaborating on the best suited methods as well as best suited monitoring, evaluation and adaptation plans.

Some common obstacles:

• Trouble finding the right implementation methods
• Lack of coordination between researcher/policymaker
• Lack of stakeholder involvement
• Scientists often lack the training and therefore necessary skill to carry out dissemination efforts
• Often lack of focus on how to distribute the research to end user/public
• Operate within a small organisation or specific areas and do not engage outside their fields<
• General focus on passive dissemination approaches (write papers etc.)
• Lack of Internet access

SHORTLISTED TOOLS

Method – Monitor and evaluate
Method – Implementation strategies

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“As a programmer, if I am involved in the research I will be able to understand it better, similarly if a researcher can participate in the policymaking level then he will be able to make an impact in a better way”.

Policymaker, India

Some common obstacles:

• Failure to adapt or customize knowledge to local contexts.
• Miscommunication that causes misunderstandings between researchers and policymakers.
• Poor packaging and presention of research findings.
• Little understanding by researcher of decision-making processes and functionings of public systems they want to engage with

SHORTLISTED TOOLS

Skill – Adapt to local context
Skill – Assess and manage barriers and facilitators
Skill – Stakeholder communication and engagement

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“Some researchers may recommend one way which may be the most effective but not the cheapest – so we cannot implement it. In developing countries need cheap and effective recommendations”.

Policymaker, Tanzania

Barriers to implementation of research findings in real-world settings can sometimes be related to external factors that seem to be out of our control. As the above quote demonstrates, the lack of financial means can be what ultimately hinders the implementation of an otherwise well thought through strategy. It is therefore important to collaborate with other sectors and learn as much as possible about the lived reality on ground and become aware of political, financial, cultural and motivational aspects that may influence the chosen method, the uptake or the sustainability of the intervention.It is equally important to adapt to changing environments, engage with stakeholders and monitor continuously.

Some common obstacles:

• Lack of finance
• Lack of facilities or/and equipment
• Bad timing of the research output and the policy agenda
• Geographic barriers to easily implement research and discuss with colleagues
• Political barriers; unstable regime, conflict
• Lack or weak relationship with stakeholders and partners
• Ownership of the research findings
• Poor involvement of decision makers/implementors early on in the research
• Decision making structures that do not provide for research input pathways

SHORTLISTED TOOLS

Environment – Understanding the baseline
Environment – Assessing the local context

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