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Doshmangir L, Mostafavi H, Behzadifar M, Yazdizadeh B, Sajadi HS, Hasanpoor E, Mahdavi M, Majdzadeh R. Individual and institutional capacity-building for evidence-informed health policy-making in Iran: a mix of local and global evidence. Health Res Policy Syst 2022; 20:18. [PMID: 35151312 PMCID: PMC8841080 DOI: 10.1186/s12961-022-00816-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Providing valid evidence to policy-makers is a key factor in the development of evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM). This study aims to review interventions used to promote researchers’ and knowledge-producing organizations’ knowledge and skills in the production and translation of evidence to policy-making and explore the interventions at the individual and institutional level in the Iranian health system to strengthen EIPM.
Methods
The study was conducted in two main phases: a systematic review and a qualitative study. First, to conduct the systematic review, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched. Quality appraisal was done using the Joanna Briggs Institute checklists. Second, semi-structured interviews and document review were used to collect local data. Purposive sampling was used and continued until data saturation. A qualitative content analysis approach was used for data analysis.
Results
From a total of 11,514 retrieved articles, 18 papers were eligible for the analysis. Based on the global evidence, face-to-face training workshops for researchers was the most widely used intervention for strengthening researchers’ capacity regarding EIPM. Target audiences in almost all of the training programmes were researchers. Setting up joint training sessions that helped empower researchers in understanding the needs of health policy-makers had a considerable effect on strengthening EIPM. Based on the local collected evidence, the main interventions for individual and institutional capacity-building were educational and training programmes or courses related to the health system, policy-making and policy analysis, and research cycle management. To implement the individual and institutional interventions, health system planners and authorities and the community were found to have a key role as facilitating factors.
Conclusion
The use of evidence-based interventions for strengthening research centres, such as training health researchers on knowledge translation and tackling institutional barriers that can prevent well-trained researchers from translating their knowledge, as well as the use of mechanisms and networks for effective interactions among policy-makers at the macro and meso (organizational) level and the research centre, will be constructive for individual and institutional capacity-building. The health system needs to strengthen its strategic capacity to facilitate an educational and training culture in order to motivate researchers in producing appropriate evidence for policy-makers.
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Curran JA, Gallant AJ, Wong H, Shin HD, Urquhart R, Kontak J, Wozney L, Boulos L, Bhutta Z, Langlois EV. Knowledge translation strategies for policy and action focused on sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health and well-being: a rapid scoping review. BMJ Open 2022; 12:e053919. [PMID: 35039297 PMCID: PMC8765012 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2021-053919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to identify knowledge translation (KT) strategies aimed at improving sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) and well-being. DESIGN Rapid scoping review. SEARCH STRATEGY A comprehensive and peer-reviewed search strategy was developed and applied to four electronic databases: MEDLINE ALL, Embase, CINAHL and Web of Science. Additional searches of grey literature were conducted to identify KT strategies aimed at supporting SRMNCAH. KT strategies and policies published in English from January 2000 to May 2020 onwards were eligible for inclusion. RESULTS Only 4% of included 90 studies were conducted in low-income countries with the majority (52%) conducted in high-income countries. Studies primarily focused on maternal newborn or child health and well-being. Education (81%), including staff workshops and education modules, was the most commonly identified intervention component from the KT interventions. Low-income and middle-income countries were more likely to include civil society organisations, government and policymakers as stakeholders compared with high-income countries. Reported barriers to KT strategies included limited resources and time constraints, while enablers included stakeholder involvement throughout the KT process. CONCLUSION We identified a number of gaps among KT strategies for SRMNCAH policy and action, including limited focus on adolescent, sexual and reproductive health and rights and SRMNCAH financing strategies. There is a need to support stakeholder engagement in KT interventions across the continuum of SRMNCAH services. Researchers and policymakers should consider enhancing efforts to work with multisectoral stakeholders to implement future KT strategies and policies to address SRMNCAH priorities. REGISTRATION The rapid scoping review protocol was registered on Open Science Framework on 16 June 2020 (https://osf.io/xpf2k).
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet A Curran
- School of Nursing, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Pediatrics, IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Allyson J Gallant
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Helen Wong
- Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Robin Urquhart
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Julia Kontak
- Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Lori Wozney
- Nova Scotia Health, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Leah Boulos
- Maritime SPOR SUPPORT Unit, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Zulfiqar Bhutta
- Centre for Global Child Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Etienne V Langlois
- The Partnership for Maternal, Newborn & Child Health, World Health Organization, Geneva, Switzerland
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Hubertus Bessems KMH, Simovska V, Driessen Willems MD, Carlsson M, de Vries ANK. Factors influencing sustainability of online platforms for professionals: a mixed-method study in OECD countries. Health Promot Int 2021; 37:6263420. [PMID: 33942092 PMCID: PMC8851401 DOI: 10.1093/heapro/daab063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Online platforms can support health and educational professionals in their daily work; however, it is challenging to keep online platforms sustainable. This paper aims to indicate the most important factors of platform sustainability from the perspective of professionals involved in online platforms. Further, it aims to understand how these factors operate. A mixed methods study was carried out among professionals from Europe, Australia, the USA and Canada. In the first phase, the importance of 54 factors from the literature was assessed with a questionnaire among 17 professionals. The relative importance of the factors and the consensus regarding this importance were calculated using median scores and interquartile deviations. In total, 19 factors were selected representing general characteristics, characteristics related to the platform, communication, visitor and context. In the second phase, insight was gained regarding the experiences with those factors through 12 individual Skype interviews. The most frequently mentioned important factors of platform sustainability were (i) having sufficient time, resources and expertise, (ii) user friendliness and (iii) creating a sense of belonging. Platforms should use a planned approach to address a combination of factors directly from platform development. Gaining long-term resources is challenging and should be considered from the start of a project by building partnerships. To promote user friendliness, platforms should be simple, have a clear set-up and provide high-quality tools. Finally, establishing a sense of belonging could be supported by branding and face-to-face networking activities. For all aspects, involving visitors and stakeholders is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathelijne Maria Hubertus Hubertus Bessems
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Venka Simovska
- Aarhuys University, Danish School of Education, Tuborgvej 164 DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - Marion Daniëlle Driessen Willems
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Monica Carlsson
- Aarhuys University, Danish School of Education, Tuborgvej 164 DK-2400 Copenhagen NV, Denmark
| | - And Nanne K de Vries
- NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University Medical Centre, Maastricht University, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Department of Health Promotion, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands.,CAPHRI School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre, PO Box 616, 6200 MD Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Song MJ, Ward J, Choi F, Nikoo M, Frank A, Shams F, Tabi K, Vigo D, Krausz M. A Process Evaluation of a Web-Based Mental Health Portal (WalkAlong) Using Google Analytics. JMIR Ment Health 2018; 5:e50. [PMID: 30126832 PMCID: PMC6121139 DOI: 10.2196/mental.8594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Revised: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite the increasing amount of research on Web-based mental health interventions with proven efficacy, high attrition rates decrease their effectiveness. Continued process evaluations should be performed to maximize the target population's engagement. Google Analytics has been used to evaluate various health-related Web-based programs and may also be useful for Web-based mental health programs. OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to evaluate WalkAlong.ca, a youth-oriented mental health web-portal, using Google Analytics to inform the improvement strategy for the platform and to demonstrate the use of Google Analytics as a tool for process evaluation of Web-based mental health interventions. METHODS Google Analytics was used to monitor user activity during WalkAlong's first year of operation (Nov 13, 2013-Nov 13, 2014). Selected Google Analytic variables were overall website engagement including pages visited per session, utilization rate of specific features, and user access mode and location. RESULTS The results included data from 3076 users viewing 29,299 pages. Users spent less average time on Mindsteps (0 minute 35 seconds) and self-exercises (1 minute 08 seconds), which are important self-help tools, compared with that on the Screener tool (3 minutes 4 seconds). Of all visitors, 82.3% (4378/5318) were desktop users, followed by 12.7 % (677/5318) mobile phone and 5.0% (263/5318) tablet users. Both direct traffic (access via URL) and referrals by email had more than 7 pages viewed per session and longer than average time of 6 minutes per session. The majority of users (67%) accessed the platform from Canada. CONCLUSIONS Engagement and feature utilization rates are higher among people who receive personal invitations to visit the site. Low utilization rates with specific features offer a starting place for further exploration of users in order to identify the root cause. The data provided by Google Analytics, although informative, can be supplemented by other evaluation methods (ie, qualitative methods) in order to better determine the modifications required to improve user engagement. Google Analytics can play a vital role in highlighting the preferences of those using Web-based mental health tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jae Song
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - John Ward
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Fiona Choi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Mohammadali Nikoo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Anastasia Frank
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Farhud Shams
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Katarina Tabi
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Vigo
- Centre for Applied Research in Mental Health and Addictions, Faculty of Health Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC, Canada
| | - Michael Krausz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,Centre for Health Evaluation and Outcome Sciences, St Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada.,School of Population and Public Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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Hoffman BL, Tulikangas MC, James AE, Shensa A, Colditz JB, Sidani JE, Primack BA. Pennsylvania policymakers' knowledge, attitudes and likelihood for action regarding waterpipe tobacco smoking and electronic nicotine delivery systems. Tob Prev Cessat 2018; 4:14. [PMID: 32411842 PMCID: PMC7205063 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/89624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Revised: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Use of waterpipe tobacco smoking (WTS, or hookah smoking) and electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS, such as e-cigarettes) is rapidly increasing. However, legislatures have been slow to update policy measures related to them. Therefore, we aimed to assess knowledge, attitudes and likelihood to take future action regarding WTS and ENDS among Pennsylvania legislators. METHODS We approached all Standing Members of key Pennsylvania House and Senate health and welfare committees to complete a survey about substances of abuse, including WTS and ENDS. Closed-ended knowledge, attitude and action items used a 100-point scale. Responses to open-ended items were assessed using thematic analysis by three independently working researchers. RESULTS We received responses from 13 of 27 eligible policymakers (48%). Participants answered a mean of only 27% (SD=20%) of knowledge items correctly. When asked to rank by priority eight issues in substance abuse, WTS ranked eighth (least urgent) and ENDS ranked fifth. Participants reported low likelihood to introduce legislation on WTS (mean=29, median=25) and/or ENDS (mean=28, median=10). Thematic analysis revealed that participants readily acknowledged lack of understanding of WTS and ENDS, and were eager for additional information. CONCLUSIONS Policymakers exhibit a lack of knowledge concerning newer forms of tobacco and nicotine delivery systems and consider them to be relatively low legislative priorities. However, respondents expressed a desire for more information, suggesting the potential for public health entities to promote effective policy development via improved dissemination of information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ariel Shensa
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, United States
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