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Schmitt T, Czabanowska K, Schröder-Bäck P. What is context in knowledge translation? Results of a systematic scoping review. Health Res Policy Syst 2024; 22:52. [PMID: 38685073 PMCID: PMC11057149 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-024-01143-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Knowledge Translation (KT) aims to convey novel ideas to relevant stakeholders, motivating their response or action to improve people's health. Initially, the KT literature focused on evidence-based medicine, applying findings from laboratory and clinical research to disease diagnosis and treatment. Since the early 2000s, the scope of KT has expanded to include decision-making with health policy implications.This systematic scoping review aims to assess the evolving knowledge-to-policy concepts, that is, macro-level KT theories, models and frameworks (KT TMFs). While significant attention has been devoted to transferring knowledge to healthcare settings (i.e. implementing health policies, programmes or measures at the meso-level), the definition of 'context' in the realm of health policymaking at the macro-level remains underexplored in the KT literature. This study aims to close the gap.A total of 32 macro-level KT TMFs were identified, with only a limited subset of them offering detailed insights into contextual factors that matter in health policymaking. Notably, the majority of these studies prompt policy changes in low- and middle-income countries and received support from international organisations, the European Union, development agencies or philanthropic entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tugce Schmitt
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute - CAPHRI, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Katarzyna Czabanowska
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute - CAPHRI, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Schröder-Bäck
- Department of International Health, Care and Public Health Research Institute - CAPHRI, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Hu C, Zhang W, Pu H, Fei K, Li Q, Huang J. Quality evaluation of clinical practice guidelines for placenta accreta spectrum disorders. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28390. [PMID: 38571606 PMCID: PMC10988008 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction We evaluated the quality of the published clinical practice guidelines on placenta accreta spectrum (PAS) disorders to provide reference for the development of high-quality PAS guidelines. Methods China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were systematically searched. Quality assessments were conducted using the appraisal of guidelines for research and evaluation (AGREE) II framework and Reporting Items for practice Guidelines in Healthcare (RIGHT) checklist. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were used to measure the agreement among reviewers. Results In total, 13 guidelines from different countries, published between 2015 and 2021 were included. There included 9 official guidelines, 3 consensuses, and 1 standard reference and covered subjects including epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. The mean standardized scores across 6 domains (scope and purpose, stakeholder involvement, rigor of development, clarity of presentation, applicability, and editorial independence) were 53.63%, 27.35%, 33.57%, 72.01%, 19.39% and 41.02%, respectively. Of the 13 guidelines, 11 were classified as grade B, whereas 2 as grade C. According to the RIGHT checklist, the overall reporting rate of the 13 guidelines ranged from 28.57% to 54.29%. Conclusion The current guidelines for PAS demonstrate commendable methodological and reporting qualities. However, the methodological and reporting quality of PAS CPGs still need to be further improved, particularly in stakeholder involvement, the rigor of development, applicability, and editorial independence domains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Hu
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weishe Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Early Life Development and Disease Prevention, Changsha, China
| | - Heyang Pu
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kuilin Fei
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qi Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jingrui Huang
- Department of Obstetrics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, China
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Gigaba SG, Luvuno Z, Bhana A, Janse van Rensburg A, Mthethwa L, Rao D, Hongo N, Petersen I. Collaborative implementation of an evidence-based package of integrated primary mental healthcare using quality improvement within a learning health systems approach: Lessons from the Mental health INTegration programme in South Africa. Learn Health Syst 2024; 8:e10389. [PMID: 38633025 PMCID: PMC11019379 DOI: 10.1002/lrh2.10389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The treatment gap for mental health disorders persists in low- and middle-income countries despite overwhelming evidence of the efficacy of task-sharing mental health interventions. Key barriers in the uptake of these innovations include the absence of policy to support implementation and diverting of staff from usual routines in health systems that are already overstretched. South Africa enjoys a conducive policy environment; however, strategies for operationalizing the policy ideals are lacking. This paper describes the Mental health INTegration Programme (MhINT), which adopted a health system strengthening approach to embed an evidence-based task-sharing care package for depression to integrate mental health care into chronic care at primary health care (PHC). Methods The MhINT care package consisting of psycho-education talks, nurse-led mental health assessment, and a structured psychosocial counselling intervention provided by lay counsellors was implemented in Amajuba district in KwaZulu-Natal over a 2-year period. A learning health systems approach was adopted, using continuous quality improvement (CQI) strategies to facilitate embedding of the intervention.MhINT was implemented along five phases: the project phase wherein teams to drive implementation were formed; the diagnostic phase where routinely collected data were used to identify system barriers to integrated mental health care; the intervention phase consisting of capacity building and using Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles to address implementation barriers and the impact and sustaining improvement phases entailed assessing the impact of the program and initiation of system-level interventions to sustain and institutionalize successful change ideas. Results Integrated planning and monitoring were enabled by including key mental health service indicators in weekly meetings designed to track the performance of noncommunicable diseases and human immunovirus clinical programmes. Lack of standardization in mental health screening prompted the validation of a mental health screening tool and testing feasibility of its use in centralized screening stations. A culture of collaborative problem-solving was promoted through CQI data-driven learning sessions. The province-level screening rate increased by 10%, whilst the district screening rate increased by 7% and new patients initiated to mental health treatment increased by 16%. Conclusions The CQI approach holds promise in facilitating the attainment of integrated mental health care in resource-scarce contexts. A collaborative relationship between researchers and health system stakeholders is an important strategy for facilitating the uptake of evidence-based innovations. However, the lack of interventions to address healthcare workers' own mental health poses a threat to integrated mental health care at PHC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sithabisile Gugulethu Gigaba
- University of KwaZulu‐Natal Centre for Rural HealthSchool of Nursing and Public HealthDurbanSouth Africa
- Psychology DepartmentKwaZulu‐Natal Department of HealthDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Zamasomi Luvuno
- University of KwaZulu‐Natal Centre for Rural HealthSchool of Nursing and Public HealthDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Arvin Bhana
- South African Medical Research CouncilUniversity of KwaZulu‐Natal Centre for Rural HealthDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Andre Janse van Rensburg
- University of KwaZulu‐Natal Centre for Rural HealthSchool of Nursing and Public HealthDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Londiwe Mthethwa
- University of KwaZulu‐Natal Centre for Rural HealthSchool of Nursing and Public HealthDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Deepa Rao
- Department of Global HealthUniversity of WashingtonSeattleWashingtonUSA
| | - Nikiwe Hongo
- Mental Health DirectorateKwaZulu‐Natal Department of HealthDurbanSouth Africa
| | - Inge Petersen
- University of KwaZulu‐Natal Centre for Rural HealthSchool of Nursing and Public HealthDurbanSouth Africa
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Jabali SH, Yazdani S, Pourasghari H, Maleki M. From bench to policy: a critical analysis of models for evidence-informed policymaking in healthcare. Front Public Health 2024; 12:1264315. [PMID: 38596514 PMCID: PMC11002157 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1264315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The use of research evidence in policy making is a complex and challenging process that has a long history in various fields, especially in healthcare. Different terms and concepts have been used to describe the relationship between research and policy, but they often lack clarity and consensus. To address this gap, several strategies and models have been proposed to facilitate evidence informed policy making and to identify the key factors and mechanisms involved. This study aims to critically review the existing models of evidence informed policy making (EIPM) in healthcare and to assess their strengths and limitations. Method A systematic search and review conducted to identify and critically assess EIPM models in healthcare. We searched PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus databases as major electronic databases and applied predefined inclusion criteria to select the models. We also checked the citations of the included models to find other scholars' perspectives. Each model was described and critiqued each model in detail and discussed their features and limitations. Result Nine models of EIPM in healthcare were identified. While models had some strengths in comprehension, flexibility and theoretical foundations, analysis also identified limitations including: presupposing rational policymaking; lacking alternatives for time-sensitive situations; not capturing policy complexity; neglecting unintended effects; limited context considerations; inadequate complexity concepts; limited collaboration guidance; and unspecified evidence adaptations. Conclusion The reviewed models provide useful frameworks for EIPM but need further improvement to address their limitations. Concepts from sociology of knowledge, change theory and complexity science can enrich the models. Future EIPM models should better account for the complexity of research-policy relationships and provide tailored strategies based on the policy context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyyed Hadi Jabali
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Yazdani
- Virtual School of Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Pourasghari
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammadreza Maleki
- School of Health Management and Information Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Brooks C, Mirzoev T, Chowdhury D, Deuri SP, Madill A. Using evidence in mental health policy agenda-setting in low- and middle-income countries: a conceptual meta-framework from a scoping umbrella review. Health Policy Plan 2023; 38:876-893. [PMID: 37329301 PMCID: PMC10394497 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czad038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The purpose of this article is to close the gap in frameworks for the use of evidence in the mental health policy agenda-setting in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Agenda-setting is important because mental health remains a culturally sensitive and neglected issue in LMICs. Moreover, effective evidence-informed agenda-setting can help achieve, and sustain, the status of mental health as a policy priority in these low-resource contexts. A scoping 'review of reviews' of evidence-to-policy frameworks was conducted, which followed preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Nineteen reviews met the inclusion criteria. A meta-framework was developed from analysis and narrative synthesis of these 19 reviews, which integrates the key elements identified across studies. It comprises the concepts of evidence, actors, process, context and approach, which are linked via the cross-cutting dimensions of beliefs, values and interests; capacity; power and politics; and trust and relationships. Five accompanying questions act as a guide for applying the meta-framework with relevance to mental health agenda-setting in LMICs. This is a novel and integrative meta-framework for mental health policy agenda-setting in LMICs and, as such, an important contribution to this under-researched area. Two major recommendations are identified from the development of the framework to enhance its implementation. First, given the paucity of formal evidence on mental health in LMICs, informal evidence based on stakeholder experience could be better utilized in these contexts. Second, the use of evidence in mental health agenda-setting in LMICs would be enhanced by involving a broader range of stakeholders in generating, communicating and promoting relevant information.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Brooks
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Lifton Terrace, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Tolib Mirzoev
- Department of Global Health and Development, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London, UK
| | - Diptarup Chowdhury
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam 784001, India
| | - Sonia Pereira Deuri
- Department of Psychiatric Social Work, Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur, Assam 784001, India
| | - Anna Madill
- School of Psychology, University of Leeds, Lifton Terrace, Leeds LS2 9JT, UK
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Pilar M, Purtle J, Powell BJ, Mazzucca S, Eyler AA, Brownson RC. An Examination of Factors Affecting State Legislators' Support for Parity Laws for Different Mental Illnesses. Community Ment Health J 2023; 59:122-131. [PMID: 35689717 PMCID: PMC9188272 DOI: 10.1007/s10597-022-00991-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mental health parity legislation can improve mental health outcomes. U.S. state legislators determine whether state parity laws are adopted, making it critical to assess factors affecting policy support. This study examines the prevalence and demographic correlates of legislators' support for state parity laws for four mental illnesses- major depression disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and anorexia/bulimia. Using a 2017 cross-sectional survey of 475 U.S. legislators, we conducted bivariate analyses and multivariate logistic regression. Support for parity was highest for schizophrenia (57%), PTSD (55%), and major depression (53%) and lowest for anorexia/bulimia (40%). Support for parity was generally higher among females, more liberal legislators, legislators in the Northeast region of the country, and those who had previously sought treatment for mental illness. These findings highlight the importance of better disseminating evidence about anorexia/bulimia and can inform dissemination efforts about mental health parity laws to state legislators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meagan Pilar
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
| | - Jonathan Purtle
- Department of Public Health Policy & Management, Global Center for Implementation Science, New York University School of Global Public Health, New York University, 708 Broadway, New York, NY, 10003, USA
| | - Byron J Powell
- Center for Mental Health Services Research, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- Division of Infectious Diseases, John T. Milliken Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Stephanie Mazzucca
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Amy A Eyler
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
| | - Ross C Brownson
- Prevention Research Center, Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, One Brookings Drive, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
- Department of Surgery (Division of Public Health Sciences) and Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University School of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, 63130, USA
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Stein DJ, Shoptaw SJ, Vigo DV, Lund C, Cuijpers P, Bantjes J, Sartorius N, Maj M. Psychiatric diagnosis and treatment in the 21st century: paradigm shifts versus incremental integration. World Psychiatry 2022; 21:393-414. [PMID: 36073709 PMCID: PMC9453916 DOI: 10.1002/wps.20998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychiatry has always been characterized by a range of different models of and approaches to mental disorder, which have sometimes brought progress in clinical practice, but have often also been accompanied by critique from within and without the field. Psychiatric nosology has been a particular focus of debate in recent decades; successive editions of the DSM and ICD have strongly influenced both psychiatric practice and research, but have also led to assertions that psychiatry is in crisis, and to advocacy for entirely new paradigms for diagnosis and assessment. When thinking about etiology, many researchers currently refer to a biopsychosocial model, but this approach has received significant critique, being considered by some observers overly eclectic and vague. Despite the development of a range of evidence-based pharmacotherapies and psychotherapies, current evidence points to both a treatment gap and a research-practice gap in mental health. In this paper, after considering current clinical practice, we discuss some proposed novel perspectives that have recently achieved particular prominence and may significantly impact psychiatric practice and research in the future: clinical neuroscience and personalized pharmacotherapy; novel statistical approaches to psychiatric nosology, assessment and research; deinstitutionalization and community mental health care; the scale-up of evidence-based psychotherapy; digital phenotyping and digital therapies; and global mental health and task-sharing approaches. We consider the extent to which proposed transitions from current practices to novel approaches reflect hype or hope. Our review indicates that each of the novel perspectives contributes important insights that allow hope for the future, but also that each provides only a partial view, and that any promise of a paradigm shift for the field is not well grounded. We conclude that there have been crucial advances in psychiatric diagnosis and treatment in recent decades; that, despite this important progress, there is considerable need for further improvements in assessment and intervention; and that such improvements will likely not be achieved by any specific paradigm shifts in psychiatric practice and research, but rather by incremental progress and iterative integration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan J. Stein
- South African Medical Research Council Unit on Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience Institute, University of Cape TownCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Steven J. Shoptaw
- Division of Family MedicineDavid Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los AngelesLos AngelesCAUSA
| | - Daniel V. Vigo
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of British ColumbiaVancouverBCCanada
| | - Crick Lund
- Centre for Global Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research DepartmentInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Pim Cuijpers
- Department of Clinical, Neuro and Developmental PsychologyAmsterdam Public Health Research Institute, Vrije Universiteit AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jason Bantjes
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Research UnitSouth African Medical Research CouncilCape TownSouth Africa
| | - Norman Sartorius
- Association for the Improvement of Mental Health ProgrammesGenevaSwitzerland
| | - Mario Maj
- Department of PsychiatryUniversity of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”NaplesItaly
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Coffey D, Hathi P, Khalid N, Thorat A. Measurement of population mental health: evidence from a mobile phone survey in India. Health Policy Plan 2021; 36:594-605. [PMID: 33693616 PMCID: PMC8173664 DOI: 10.1093/heapol/czab023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In high-income countries, population health surveys often measure mental health. This is less common in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), including in India, where mental health is under-researched relative to its disease burden. The objective of this study is to assess the performance of two questionnaires for measuring population mental health in a mobile phone survey. We adapt the Kessler-6 screening questionnaire and the World Health Organization's Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) for a mobile phone survey in the Indian states of Bihar, Jharkhand and Maharashtra. The questionnaires differ in the symptoms they measure and in the number of response options offered. Questionnaires are randomly assigned to respondents. We consider a questionnaire to perform well if it identifies geographic and demographic disparities in mental health that are consistent with the literature and does not suffer from selective non-response. Both questionnaires measured less mental distress in Maharashtra than in Bihar and Jharkhand, which is consistent with Maharashtra's higher human development indicators. The adapted SRQ, but not the adapted Kessler-6, identified women as having worse mental health than men in all three states. Conclusions about population mental health based on the adapted Kessler-6 are likely to be influenced by low response rates (about 82% across the three samples). Respondents were different from non-respondents: non-respondents were less educated and more likely to be female. The SRQ's higher response rate (about 94% across the three states) may reflect the fact that it was developed for use in LMICs and that it focuses on physical, rather than emotional, symptoms, which may be less stigmatized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane Coffey
- Department of Sociology & Population Research Center, University of Texas at Austin, 305 E 23rd St, RLP 2.602, Austin, TX 78712, USA
- r.i.c.e., a research institute for compassionate economics, Delhi, India
- Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi Centre, Delhi, India
| | - Payal Hathi
- r.i.c.e., a research institute for compassionate economics, Delhi, India
- Department of Sociology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
- Department of Demography, University of California, Berkeley, CA, USA
| | - Nazar Khalid
- r.i.c.e., a research institute for compassionate economics, Delhi, India
- Department of Demography, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Amit Thorat
- r.i.c.e., a research institute for compassionate economics, Delhi, India
- Centre for the Study of Regional Development, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, India
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EVITA 2.0, an updated framework for understanding evidence-based mental health policy agenda-setting: tested and informed by key informant interviews in a multilevel comparative case study. Health Res Policy Syst 2021; 19:35. [PMID: 33691696 PMCID: PMC7948345 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-020-00651-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health remains a neglected issue on the global health policy agenda, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), and the translation of research evidence into policy and practice is slow. The new EVITA framework was developed to improve mental health evidence uptake and policy agenda-setting in LMICs. In addition, behavioural science methods may be able to support knowledge translation to policy. Methods Using a mixed-methods study design, we applied and tested the newly developed EVITA 1.1 framework against three case studies related to South Africa at the district, national and international levels. In-depth interviews with 26 experts were conducted between August and November 2019, transcribed, coded and analysed in NVivo, using iterative categorization. The data were analysed against both the EVITA framework and the MINDSPACE framework for behavioural insights. Results In our case study comparison, we found that (1) research translation to the policy agenda occurs in a complex, fluid system which includes multiple “research clouds”, “policy spheres” and other networks; (2) mental health research policy agenda-setting is based on key individuals and intermediaries and their interrelationships; and (3) key challenges and strategies for successful research to policy agenda impact are known, but are frequently not strategically implemented, such as including all stakeholders to overcome the policy implementation gap. Our data also suggest that behavioural science methods can be strategically applied to support knowledge translation to policy agenda-setting. Conclusion We found that the EVITA framework is useful for understanding and improving mental health research policy interrelationships to support evidence uptake to the policy agenda, and that behavioural science methods are effective support mechanisms. The revised EVITA 2.0 framework therefore includes behavioural insights, for improved mental health policy agenda-setting in LMICs. More research is needed to understand whether EVITA can be applied to other LMICs and to high-income contexts.
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