“Policymakers may not understand research. They feel that it may take years to get an outcome, they are interested in outputs for today. There might be a lack of vision on the part of the policymaker”.

Researcher, Tanzania

Having a clear understanding of the evidence to be translated into action is of crucial importance but can be challenging due to multiple factors. Perhaps the evidence is not ‘ready’, and more studies are needed to determine causality, or perhaps there is need for more thorough systematic reviewing, or dissemination planning before next steps should be considered. Strategies to tackle evidence related challenges include acknowledging these factors and taking the time to make sure all components are in place before implementation. Having a clear understanding of the evidence, and a well-planned out dissemination process will facilitate a sustainable outcome.

Some common obstacles:

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

SHORTLISTED TOOLS

Evidence – Systematic and rapid reviews
Evidence – Dissemination plan

> Back to overview

“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

> Back to overview

“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

The benefits of effective stakeholder engagement, as demonstrated in the above quote, should be acknowledged by all wishing to make a true impact from research. It can be a challenging and time-consuming effort and therefore it is highly recommended to reflect on this early on. Perhaps certain relevant organisational and/or personal skills linked to, for example, adaptation, packaging and collaboration need to be internally developed or taken onboard from a different sector. Either way it can be well worth acquiring the needed skills for a smooth and sustainable implementation of evidence-based research.

Some common obstacles:

• Lack of adapting or customizing the knowledge to the local context
• Communication problems - Policymakers and researchers do not always understand each other’s terminology and way of communicating
• Poor packaging and indexing of research findings
• Poor understanding of the decision-making process and the public system the researcher wants to engage with

SHORTLISTED TOOLS

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

> Back to overview

“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

> Back to overview