Exploring health systems research and its influence on policy processes in low income countries
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The interface between research and policymaking in low-income countries is highly complex. The ability of health systems research to influence policy processes in such settings face numerous challenges. Successful analysis of the res...
| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2007-10-01
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| Series: | BMC Public Health |
| Online Access: | http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/7/309 |
| _version_ | 1818515268780949504 |
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| author | Syed Shamsuzzoha B Leach Melissa Bloom Gerald Hyder Adnan A Peters David H |
| author_facet | Syed Shamsuzzoha B Leach Melissa Bloom Gerald Hyder Adnan A Peters David H |
| author_sort | Syed Shamsuzzoha B |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The interface between research and policymaking in low-income countries is highly complex. The ability of health systems research to influence policy processes in such settings face numerous challenges. Successful analysis of the research-policy interface in these settings requires understanding of contextual factors as well as key influences on the interface. <it>Future Health Systems (FHS): Innovations for Equity </it>is a consortium conducting research in six countries in Asia and Africa. One of the three cross-country research themes of the consortium is analysis of the relationship between research (evidence) and policy making, especially their impact on the poor; insights gained in the initial conceptual phase of FHS activities can inform the global knowledge pool on this subject.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This paper provides a review of the research-policy interface in low-income countries and proposes a conceptual framework, followed by directions for empirical approaches. First, four developmental perspectives are considered: social institutional factors; virtual versus grassroots realities; science-society relationships; and construction of social arrangements. Building on these developmental perspectives three research-policy interface entry points are identified: 1. Recognizing policy as complex processes; 2. Engaging key stakeholders: decision-makers, providers, scientists, and communities; and 3. Enhancing accountability. A conceptual framework with three entry points to the research-policy interface – policy processes; stakeholder interests, values, and power; and accountability – within a context provided by four developmental perspectives is proposed. Potential empirical approaches to the research-policy interface are then reviewed. Finally, the value of such innovative empirical analysis is considered.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The purpose of this paper is to provide the background, conceptual framework, and key research directions for empirical activities focused on the research-policy interface in low income settings. The interface can be strengthened through such analysis leading to potential improvements in population health in low-income settings. Health system development cognizant of the myriad factors at the research-policy interface can form the basis for innovative future health systems.</p> |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-11T00:26:48Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-373ec9c7045542e7b403b0f7c72bfaff |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1471-2458 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-11T00:26:48Z |
| publishDate | 2007-10-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC Public Health |
| spelling | doaj.art-373ec9c7045542e7b403b0f7c72bfaff2022-12-22T01:27:31ZengBMCBMC Public Health1471-24582007-10-017130910.1186/1471-2458-7-309Exploring health systems research and its influence on policy processes in low income countriesSyed Shamsuzzoha BLeach MelissaBloom GeraldHyder Adnan APeters David H<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The interface between research and policymaking in low-income countries is highly complex. The ability of health systems research to influence policy processes in such settings face numerous challenges. Successful analysis of the research-policy interface in these settings requires understanding of contextual factors as well as key influences on the interface. <it>Future Health Systems (FHS): Innovations for Equity </it>is a consortium conducting research in six countries in Asia and Africa. One of the three cross-country research themes of the consortium is analysis of the relationship between research (evidence) and policy making, especially their impact on the poor; insights gained in the initial conceptual phase of FHS activities can inform the global knowledge pool on this subject.</p> <p>Discussion</p> <p>This paper provides a review of the research-policy interface in low-income countries and proposes a conceptual framework, followed by directions for empirical approaches. First, four developmental perspectives are considered: social institutional factors; virtual versus grassroots realities; science-society relationships; and construction of social arrangements. Building on these developmental perspectives three research-policy interface entry points are identified: 1. Recognizing policy as complex processes; 2. Engaging key stakeholders: decision-makers, providers, scientists, and communities; and 3. Enhancing accountability. A conceptual framework with three entry points to the research-policy interface – policy processes; stakeholder interests, values, and power; and accountability – within a context provided by four developmental perspectives is proposed. Potential empirical approaches to the research-policy interface are then reviewed. Finally, the value of such innovative empirical analysis is considered.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The purpose of this paper is to provide the background, conceptual framework, and key research directions for empirical activities focused on the research-policy interface in low income settings. The interface can be strengthened through such analysis leading to potential improvements in population health in low-income settings. Health system development cognizant of the myriad factors at the research-policy interface can form the basis for innovative future health systems.</p>http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/7/309 |
| spellingShingle | Syed Shamsuzzoha B Leach Melissa Bloom Gerald Hyder Adnan A Peters David H Exploring health systems research and its influence on policy processes in low income countries BMC Public Health |
| title | Exploring health systems research and its influence on policy processes in low income countries |
| title_full | Exploring health systems research and its influence on policy processes in low income countries |
| title_fullStr | Exploring health systems research and its influence on policy processes in low income countries |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring health systems research and its influence on policy processes in low income countries |
| title_short | Exploring health systems research and its influence on policy processes in low income countries |
| title_sort | exploring health systems research and its influence on policy processes in low income countries |
| url | http://www.biomedcentral.com/1471-2458/7/309 |
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