| Theme 4. How best can new evidence from research be rapidly translated into new policies and actions |
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Identifying the most effective ways to translate new evidence into policy and programming effectively has been an area which has received little attention in the past. The complex national and international parameters which enable rapid acceptance of new information and the key determinants of how and when policies are accepted and implemented need to be established. Over the lifetime of the consortium we aim to strengthen the capacity of consortium members on policy research and dissemination. We are working to identify and research some of the important barriers which prevent translation of evidence into actions. Theme 4 Research Generated by Evidence for ActionLSHTM, MRC CTU, ZAMBART, Lighthouse & MRC/UVRI: The largest project Evidence for Action are working on under Theme 4 is a multi-country study investigating how evidence on the cost-effectiveness of cotrimoxazole prophylaxis has influenced policy and practice. Cotrimoxazole is a cheap anti-microbial drug. There is good evidence that cotrimoxazole prophylaxis can substantially reduce morbidity and mortality caused by opportunistic infections associated with HIV. It is recommended by WHO. The first part of the study is an investigation and comparison of how evidence on cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for adults and children got into policy in Zambia and Malawi. This project is being led by LSHTM and is a collaboration between LSHTM, MRC CTU, ZAMBART, Lighthouse and MRC/UVRI. Data has been collected from all 3 countries and results have been disseminated in Zambia and Malawi. Analysis of the data from Uganda is being finalised and written up. This work is funded by an Evidence for Action SIG.The second component of this project is looking at whether and how cotrimoxazole is being implemented on the ground in Zambia and Malawi. This work is being led by MRC CTU, in collaboration with LSHTM, ZAMBART, Ministry of Health in Malawi and Lighthouse. Qualitative interviews have been conducted in Zambia, and sites selected for quantitative work in Malawi. The study design is tailored to answer questions of relevance to the MoH and key implementers in each country. This work is funded through an Evidence for Action SIG. Evidence for Action with TARGETS & COMDIS RPCs: A study has been carried out by LSHTM, with input from Lighthouse, MRC/UVRI and ZAMBART, as well as the Malaria Consortium and Leeds University, looking at the most important sources of information that communicable disease programme managers in China, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malawi, Uganda and Zambia say that they use when making policy decisions. Data have been collected and analysed, and results are now being disseminated. The results showed that the most important sources of information for programme managers were internal (such as surveillance programmes), or from international technical agencies such as WHO. This information will help to inform the communications work of the programme and, we hope, will be of interest to DFID and other funding agencies as they plan their own communications and funding strategies. A short article on the results of this study has been accepted by Tropical Medicine and International Health. LSHTM, Lighthouse and MRC/UVRI are commencing work on analysis and tools for improving the uptake of research findings. This research will map out the ways in which research evidence makes its way into policy in Uganda and Malawi. This will consist of identifying both the official institutions and processes by which evidence is meant to get into policy, and the unofficial or ad hoc mechanisms that often take place. This work is funded by an Evidence for Action SIG. ZAMBART, IHAA: Based on the findings of a study on the attrition, burnout and access to HIV testing and treatment services among health workers in Lusaka district, Zambia, ZAMBART and IHAA are developing an anti-stigma HIV module for health workers. This will help address the problem of HIV-related stigma among health workers and contribute to the uptake of HIV testing and treatment services by health workers. Tools are currently being pilot tested by different groups in Africa, and will then be revised before being finalised. This work is funded by SIDA and an Evidence for Action SIG. |