Research evidence communication for policy-makers: a rapid scoping review on frameworks, guidance and tools, and barriers and facilitators.

BACKGROUND: Communication is a multifaceted process, ranging from linear, one-way approaches, such as transmitting a simple message, to continuous exchanges and feedback loops among stakeholders. In particular the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical need for timely, effective and credible evidence communication to increase awareness, levels of trust, and evidence uptake in policy and practice. However, whether to improve policy responses in crises or address more commonplace societal challenges, comprehensive guidance on evidence communication to decision-makers in health policies and systems remains limited. Our objective was to identify and systematize the global evidence on frameworks, guidance and tools supporting effective communication of research evidence to facilitate knowledge translation and evidence-informed policy-making processes, while also addressing barriers and facilitators. METHODS: We conducted a rapid scoping review following the Joanna Briggs Manual. Literature searches were performed across eight indexed databases and two sources of grey literature, without language or time restrictions. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed, and a narrative-interpretative synthesis was applied to present the findings. RESULTS: We identified 16 documents presenting either complete frameworks or framework components, including guidance and tools, aimed at supporting evidence communication for policy development. These frameworks outlined strategies, theoretical models, barriers and facilitators, as well as insights into policy-makers' perspectives, communication needs, and preferences. Three primary evidence communication strategies, comprising eleven sub-strategies, emerged: "Health information packaging", "Targeting and tailoring messages to the audience", and "Combined communication strategies". Based on the documented barriers and facilitators at micro, meso and macro levels, critical factors for successful communication of evidence to policy-makers were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Effective communication is indispensable for facilitating knowledge translation and evidence-informed policy-making. Nonetheless gaps persist in frameworks designed to enhance research communication to policy-makers, particularly regarding the effectiveness of multiple communication strategies. To advance in this field, the development of comprehensive frameworks incorporating implementation strategies is warranted. Additionally, barriers and facilitators to implementing effective communication must be recognized and addressed taking diverse contexts into consideration. Registration https://zenodo.org/record/5578550.

Effective interventions for the promotion of breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding in the context of Primary Health Care / Intervenções efetivas para a promoção da amamentação e da alimentação complementar saudável no contexto da Atenção Primária à Saúde

Abstract Objective: To develop a rapid review on effective actions for the promotion of breastfeeding and healthy complementary feeding in primary health care and to summarize a list of actions and their elements for implementation. Data source: The review included systematic reviews on the effectiveness of interventions to promote breastfeeding and/or healthy complementary feeding for mothers and other caregivers, and/or professionals who work with this population, in comparison with any usual approach or none. Data synthesis: A total of 32 systematic reviews were included in the evidence synthesis. Ten types of interventions were evaluated in systematic reviews on promotion of breastfeeding and four types of interventions on promotion of healthy complementary feeding. The synthesis allowed six aspects to be discussed, and these must be considered to increase the chances of interventions' impact: type of intervention, target audience, timing of intervention, actors that can implement it, strategies and methods of intervention, and intensity of intervention. Conclusions: It was possible to assemble a list of actions whose effectiveness has already been demonstrated, providing elements for local adaptations. Evidence is expected to support and strengthen the implementation of programs aimed at promoting breastfeeding and complementary feeding in primary health care.

Resumo Objetivo: Desenvolver uma revisão rápida sobre intervenções efetivas para a promoção do aleitamento materno e da alimentação complementar saudável na Atenção Primária à Saúde e sintetizar um cardápio de ações e seus elementos para implementação. Fontes de dados: Foram incluídas revisões sistemáticas que avaliaram a efetividade de intervenções para promoção do aleitamento materno e/ou alimentação complementar saudável com mães e outros cuidadores e/ou profissionais que atuam com essa população em comparação com qualquer abordagem usual ou nenhuma. Síntese dos dados: Na síntese das evidências, foram incluídas 32 revisões sistemáticas. Nas revisões sistemáticas, foram avaliados dez tipos de intervenções no tema "promoção do aleitamento materno" e quatro tipos de intervenções no tema "promoção da alimentação complementar saudável". A síntese dos resultados permitiu discutir seis aspectos da implementação que devem ser considerados para aumentar as chances de impacto das intervenções: tipo de intervenção, público-alvo, momento da intervenção, atores que podem implementar, estratégias e métodos para conduzir a intervenção, e intensidade da intervenção. Conclusões: Os resultados permitiram apresentar um cardápio de ações cuja efetividade já foi demonstrada, fornecendo elementos para adaptações locais. Espera-se que as evidências apresentadas possam apoiar e fortalecer a implementação de programas de promoção do aleitamento materno e da alimentação complementar saudável na Atenção Primária à Saúde.