National strategies for knowledge translation in health policy-making: A scoping review of grey literature.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Without strategic actions in its support, the translation of scientific research evidence into health policy is often absent or delayed. This review systematically maps and assesses national-level strategic documents in the field of knowledge translation (KT) for health policy, and develops a practical template that can support Evidence-informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Europe countries in producing national strategies for evidence-informed policy-making. METHODS: Websites of organizations with strategic responsibilities in KT were electronically searched, on the basis of pre-defined criteria, in July-August 2017, and an updated search was carried out in April-June 2021. We included national strategies or elements of national strategies that dealt with KT activities, as well as similar strategies of individual institutions with a national policy focus. Two reviewers screened the strategies for inclusion. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 65 unique documents were identified, of which 17 were eligible and analysed for their structure and content. Of the 17, 1 document was a national health KT action plan and 6 documents were institution-level KT strategies. The remaining 10 strategies, which were also included were 2 national health strategies, 5 national health research strategies and 3 national KT strategies (not specific to the field of health alone). In all, 13 structural elements and 7 major themes of health policy KT strategies were identified from the included documents. CONCLUSION: KT in health policy, as emerged from the national strategies that our mapping identified, is based on the production and accessibility of policy-relevant research, its packaging for policy-making and the activities related to knowledge exchange. KT strategies may play different roles in the complex and context-specific process of policy-making. Our findings show that the main ideas of health-specific evidence-informed policy literature appear in these strategies, but their effectiveness depends on the way stakeholders use them. Specific knowledge-brokering institutions and organizational capacity, advocacy about the use of evidence, and close collaboration and co-decision-making with key stakeholders are essential in furthering the policy uptake of research results.

A modified action framework to develop and evaluate academic-policy engagement interventions.

BACKGROUND: There has been a proliferation of frameworks with a common goal of bridging the gap between evidence, policy, and practice, but few aim to specifically guide evaluations of academic-policy engagement. We present the modification of an action framework for the purpose of selecting, developing and evaluating interventions for academic-policy engagement. METHODS: We build on the conceptual work of an existing framework known as SPIRIT (Supporting Policy In Health with Research: an Intervention Trial), developed for the evaluation of strategies intended to increase the use of research in health policy. Our aim was to modify SPIRIT, (i) to be applicable beyond health policy contexts, for example encompassing social, environmental, and economic policy impacts and (ii) to address broader dynamics of academic-policy engagement. We used an iterative approach through literature reviews and consultation with multiple stakeholders from Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and policy professionals working at different levels of government and across geographical contexts in England, alongside our evaluation activities in the Capabilities in Academic Policy Engagement (CAPE) programme. RESULTS: Our modifications expand upon Redman et al.'s original framework, for example adding a domain of 'Impacts and Sustainability' to capture continued activities required in the achievement of desirable outcomes. The modified framework fulfils the criteria for a useful action framework, having a clear purpose, being informed by existing understandings, being capable of guiding targeted interventions, and providing a structure to build further knowledge. CONCLUSION: The modified SPIRIT framework is designed to be meaningful and accessible for people working across varied contexts in the evidence-policy ecosystem. It has potential applications in how academic-policy engagement interventions might be developed, evaluated, facilitated and improved, to ultimately support the use of evidence in decision-making.

Trabajo colaborativo entre academia y autoridades de salud en tiempos de COVID-19: experiencia en Santander, Colombia

Introducción: Colombia es uno de los países con mayor número de casos de COVID-19 en América Latina y el Caribe. Los gobiernos no pueden trabajar solos en una crisis de gran intensidad, por lo que las alianzas y la colaboración Gobierno-academia toman un valor preponderante. Objetivo: Sistematizar la experiencia del trabajo colaborativo que se realizó entre actores académicos de la región y las autoridades de salud del departamento de Santander, Colombia, en el marco de la emergencia sanitaria por COVID-19 durante 2020-2021. Metodología: A partir de la sistematización de experiencias y desde el enfoque crítico social se realizó un abordaje cualitativo con ocho actores clave del sector académico y de la autoridad en salud que participaron activamente en la alianza. Se hizo una revisión documental y se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas. Resultados: Una vez declarada la emergencia sanitaria, de manera rápida se conformaron dos grupos de trabajo colaborativo, uno entre academia y actores gubernamentales del municipio de Bucaramanga y otro entre academia y actores gubernamentales departamentales; ambos grupos se conformaron de manera voluntaria, pero se diferenciaron en su forma de organización. El trabajo colaborativo y voluntario brindó apoyo a las autoridades en salud, principalmente en la fase de preparación para afrontar la pandemia, traducción y difusión del conocimiento, vigilancia epidemiológica y actividades de fortalecimiento de la capacidad de respuesta. Conclusiones: El apoyo brindado por el equipo colaborativo fue muy proliferativo en actividades e intervenciones, no obstante, se presentaron dificultades y una de ellas fue que un número importante de sus recomendaciones no fueron atendidas por las autoridades sanitarias. Las dificultades presentadas no son diferentes a las ya reportadas en otras emergencias de salud pública, por lo que se requiere continuar fortaleciendo las relaciones Gobierno-academia para que se pueda trazar de manera proactiva una agenda que contribuya a superar las limitaciones que se reportan en este trabajo.

Introduction: Colombia is one of the countries with the highest number of COVID-19 cases in Latin America and the Caribbean. In a health crisis of high intensity, governments cannot work alone, so alliances and collaboration between Government and academia take on a preponderant value. Objective: Systematize the experience of the collaborative work carried out between academic actors in the region and the health authorities from the Department of Santander, Colombia in the framework of the health emergency due to COVID-19 during 2020-2021. Methods: Based on the systematization of experiences and from the critical social approach, a qualitative approach was carried out with eight key actors from the academic sector and the health authority that actively participated in the alliance. Documentary review and semi-structured interviews were conducted. Results: Once the health emergency was declared, two collaborative working groups were quickly formed, one between academia and government actors of the municipality of Bucaramanga and another between academia and departmental government actors; both groups were formed voluntarily but differed in their form of organization. The collaborative and voluntary work provided support to health authorities mainly in the preparation phase to face the pandemic, knowledge translation and dissemination, epidemiological surveillance, and response capacity-building activities. Conclusions: The support provided by the collaborative team was very proliferative in activities and interventions; however, difficulties occurred and one of them was that a significant number of their recommendations were not addressed by the health authorities. The difficulties presented are not different from those already reported in other public health emergencies, so it is necessary to continue strengthening the relations between Government-Academia, so that they can proactively draw up an agenda that contributes to overcoming the limitations that are reported in this work.

Mental Health Reform Processes and Service Delivery Shift From the Hospital to the Community in Belgium and Hong Kong.

Aim: We aimed to illustrate and compare the processes of mental health policies aiming at a service delivery shift from the hospital to the community using implementation science, and to identify important implementation strategies. Methods: This study had a comparative case study design. The cases were the Belgian mental health reform, and the person-centered model of mental health in Hong Kong, China. Several documentary sources were reviewed, including the published literature and websites. Data on policy processes were extracted, analyzed using directed content analysis, and categorized into constructs of the conceptual model for evidence-informed policy formulation and implementation arranged for the mental health policy. Results: Several similarities were identified in the strategies for active implementation and dissemination; official staff allocation, and training to the community psychiatric services, an approach to adjust the number of psychiatric hospital beds, and promoting collaboration between health care sectors and social welfare sectors. Under distinct social contexts, differences were found in all processes. Conclusions: Each of the described policy processes can serve as a model for countries in similar social contexts seeking to shift their psychiatric service delivery. Furthermore, our findings suggest widely applicable implementation strategies for policies aiming at a service delivery shift.

Routinizing the Use of Evidence in Policy - What Is Needed? Comment on "Sustaining Knowledge Translation Practices: A Critical Interpretive Synthesis".

In their study of sustaining knowledge translation (KT) practices, Borst et al found that this process is an interplay of: (i) constructing and extending networks, (ii) creating contexts that support KT practices, and (iii) understanding how actors create, maintain, and disrupt institutions. Their article is an important contribution to the body of research promoting KT. In this commentary we reflect on the convergences and differences between the concepts of 'sustaining' and 'institutionalizing' KT, highlighting domains and processes related to the institutionalization, providing an analysis of KT landscape in Brazil and making a case for the need to increase countries' routine use of evidence.

How well do policymakers address stigma surrounding substance use disorders: lessons from a qualitative review of Scottish Alcohol and Drug Partnerships' strategic plans.

Background: Stigma is a significant barrier to the successful implementation of public health policies which aim to reduce harm from substance use disorders. Despite attention being given to stigma in the literature for at least a decade, evidence on what works to reduce it is limited and inconclusive. Without clear guidance, policymakers could be limited in their ability to develop evidence-informed strategies for reducing stigma. In response to a steep incline in drug-related deaths in Scotland since 1996, the Scottish Government has committed to tackling stigma in national drug policy. Scotland's 31 Alcohol and Drug Partnerships are responsible for developing local strategies that aim to tackle harm from substance use disorders. This qualitative review explored how well these strategies respond to stigma and identified approaches mentioned that could have implicit implications for tackling stigma. Methods: The strategic plans of Alcohol and Drug Partnerships across Scotland were identified and thematically analysed to identify key themes relating to stigma. Content of strategic plans was initially coded under a coding scheme of four broad categories: content that explicitly mentioned stigma; identity, status and power; deservedness of support; and attribution of responsibility for SUDs. Results: Twenty-four strategic plans were identified and analysed, with four themes emerging: (1) limited clarity and consistency on how stigma will be directly tackled by ADPs; (2) recognition of the positive contribution that people with substance use disorders can make towards decisions about treatment and support; (3) diversion of people with substance use disorders away from the criminal justice system towards quality support underpinned by human rights; and (4) recognition of the complex determinants of substance use disorders and that everyone has a role to play. Conclusion: Alcohol and Drug Partnerships acknowledged the importance of tackling stigma in their strategic plans but provide limited clarity on how this will be done. This review calls for the inclusion of more evidence-informed strategies for tackling stigma within the Scottish local policymaking context. This requires academic, policymaking and lived experience communities to collaborate to test and evaluate innovative responses to tackling in stigma to strengthen understanding of what works in which contexts.

Institutional roles, structures, funding and research partnerships towards evidence-informed policy-making: a multisector survey among policy-makers in Nigeria.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-informed policy-making aims to ensure that the best and most relevant evidence is systematically generated and used for policy-making. The aim of this study was to assess institutional structures, funding, policy-maker perspectives on researcher-policy-maker interactions and the use of research evidence in policy-making in five states in Nigeria. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 209 participants from two geopolitical zones in Nigeria. Study participants included programme officers/secretaries, managers/department/facility heads and state coordinators/directors/presidents/chairpersons in various ministries and the National Assembly. A pretested semi-structured self-administered questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale was used to collect information on institutional structures for policy and policy-making in participants' organizations, the use of research evidence in policy and policy-making processes, and the status of funding for policy-relevant research in the participants' organizations. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 20 software. RESULTS: The majority of the respondents were older than 45 years (73.2%), were male (63.2) and had spent 5 years or less (74.6%) in their present position. The majority of the respondents' organizations had a policy in place on research involving all key stakeholders (63.6%), integration of stakeholders' views within the policy on research (58.9%) and a forum to coordinate the setting of research priorities (61.2%). A high mean score of 3.26 was found for the use of routine data generated from within the participants' organizations. Funding for policy-relevant research was captured in the budget (mean = 3.47) but was inadequate (mean = 2.53) and mostly donor-driven (mean = 3.64). Funding approval and release/access processes were also reported to be cumbersome, with mean scores of 3.74 and 3.89, respectively. The results showed that capacity existed among career policy-makers and the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics to advocate for internal funds (mean = 3.55) and to attract external funds such as grants (3.76) for policy-relevant research. Interaction as part of the priority-setting process (mean = 3.01) was the most highly rated form of policy-maker-researcher interaction, while long-term partnerships with researchers (mean = 2.61) had the lower mean score. The agreement that involving policy-makers in the planning and execution of programmes could enhance the evidence-to-policy process had the highest score (mean = 4.40). CONCLUSION: The study revealed that although institutional structures such as institutional policies, fora and stakeholder engagement existed in the organizations studied, there was suboptimal use of evidence obtained from research initiated by both internal and external researchers. Organizations surveyed had budget lines for research, but this funding was depicted as inadequate. There was suboptimal actual participation of policy-makers in the co-creation, production and dissemination of evidence. The implementation of contextually relevant and sustained mutual institutional policy-maker-researcher engagement approaches is needed to promote evidence-informed policy-making. Thus there is a need for institutional prioritization and commitment to research evidence generation.

[Adherence, barriers, and facilitators for the treatment of systemic arterial hypertension: rapid review of evidenceAdhesión, obstáculos y elementos facilitadores en relación con el tratamiento de la hipertensión: revisión rápida de la evidencia]. / Adesão, barreiras e facilitadores no tratamento de hipertensão arterial: revisão rápida de evidências.

Objective: To identify strategies to increase adherence to systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) treatment and describe the barriers and facilitators for implementing these strategies in primary health care (PHC). Method: A rapid evidence review was performed. We included systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses, published in English, Spanish or Portuguese, covering adults (age 18 to ≤ 60 years) with SAH followed in the PHC. Searches were performed in nine databases in December 2020 and updated in April 2022. The systematic reviews were assessed for methodological quality using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Results: Fourteen systematic reviews on treatment adherence strategies and three on barriers and facilitators for implementation were included. Regarding methodological quality, one systematic review was classified as moderate, four as low, and the others as critically low. Four strategies were identified as options for health policies: actions performed by pharmacists; actions performed by non-pharmaceutical health professionals; self-monitoring, use of mobile apps, and text messages; and subsidies for the purchase of medicines. Low digital literacy, limited access to the internet, work process and incipient training were barriers for professionals. The users' educational and health literacy levels, accessibility to health services and good relationships with professionals were facilitators. Conclusions: Positive effects of strategies related to pharmaceutical care, self-monitoring, and the use of cell phone applications and text messages were identified to increase adherence to the treatment of SAH in the context of PHC. However, for implementation purposes, it is necessary to consider barriers and facilitators, in addition to the methodological limitations of the analyzed systematic reviews.

Objetivo: Buscar estrategias para aumentar la adhesión al tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial sistémica y describir las barreras y los elementos facilitadores para la implementación de esas estrategias en el ámbito de la atención primaria de salud. Métodos: Se realizó una revisión rápida de la evidencia. Se incluyeron revisiones sistemáticas, con o sin metaanálisis, publicadas en español, inglés o portugués, en las cuales se evaluaban a personas adultas (de 18 a ≤ 60 años) con hipertensión arterial sistémica observadas en el ámbito de la atención primaria de salud. Las búsquedas se realizaron en nueve bases de datos en diciembre del 2020 y se actualizaron en abril del 2022. Se evaluó la calidad metodológica de las revisiones sistemáticas incluidas con la herramienta AMSTAR 2. Resultados: Se incluyeron 14 revisiones sistemáticas sobre estrategias de adhesión al tratamiento y tres sobre obstáculos y elementos facilitadores para la implementación. La calidad metodológica fue moderada en una revisión sistemática, baja en cuatro y críticamente baja en las demás. Se identificaron cuatro estrategias como opciones para las políticas de salud: medidas tomadas por farmacéuticos; medidas tomadas por profesionales no farmacéuticos; autocontrol, uso de aplicaciones para teléfonos celulares y mensajes de texto; y oferta de subvenciones para la compra de medicamentos. La escasa alfabetización digital, el acceso limitado a internet y los procesos de trabajo y formación incipiente fueron obstáculos para los profesionales. Los elementos facilitadores fueron el nivel de educación y de conocimientos de los usuarios en materia de salud, la accesibilidad a los servicios de salud y las buenas relaciones con los profesionales. Conclusiones: Se observaron efectos positivos de las estrategias relacionadas con la atención farmacéutica, el autocontrol y el uso de aplicaciones de telefonía celular y mensajería de texto para aumentar la adhesión al tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial sistémica en el ámbito de la atención primaria de salud. Sin embargo, para fines de implementación, es necesario considerar los obstáculos y los elementos facilitadores, además de las limitaciones metodológicas de las revisiones sistemáticas analizadas.

Rethinking the path from evidence to decision-making.

Evidence-informed decision-making is increasingly recognized as a standard for policymaking in many fields, including public health. However, many challenges exist in identifying the appropriate evidence, disseminating it to different stakeholders, and implementing it in various settings. The Israel Implementation Science and Policy Engagement Centre (IS-PEC) was established at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev to "bridge the gap" between scientific research and policy. As an illustrative case study, IS-PEC is conducting a scoping review on strategies to engage senior citizens in Israel when developing health policy. In May 2022, IS-PEC brought together international experts and Israeli stakeholders to increase knowledge in the field of evidence-informed policy, develop a research agenda, strengthen international collaborations, and create a community for sharing experience, research, and best practices. Panelists presented the importance of communicating clear, accurate bottom-line messages with the media. Also, they highlighted the once-in-a-generation opportunity to promote the uptake of evidence in public health due to the increased public interest in evidence-informed policymaking post-COVID-19 pandemic and the need to build systems and centers to support the systematic use of evidence. Group discussions focused on various aspects of communication, including challenges and strategies when communicating to policymakers, understanding the nuances of communication between scientists, journalists, and the public, and some ethical issues surrounding data visualization and infographics. Panelists participated in a passionate debate regarding whether and how values play a role when conducting, analyzing, and communicating evidence. Takeaway lessons from the workshop included that going forward, Israel must create lasting systems and a sustainable environment for evidence-informed policy. Novel and interdisciplinary academic programs must be developed to train future policymakers in various fields, including public health, public policy, ethics, communication, social marketing, and infographics. Sustainable professional relationships between journalists, scientists, and policymakers must be fostered and strengthened based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to creating, synthesizing, implementing, and communicating high-quality evidence to serve the public and individual wellbeing.

Competency profiles for evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM): a rapid review.

BACKGROUND: Evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM) requires a set of individual and organizational capacities, linked with background factors and needs. The identification of essential knowledge, skills and attitudes for EIPM can support the development of competency profiles and their application in different contexts. PURPOSE: To identify elements of competency (knowledge, skills and attitudes) for EIPM, according to different professional profiles (researcher, health professional, decision-maker and citizen). METHODS: Rapid umbrella review. A structured search was conducted and later updated in two comprehensive repositories (BVSalud and PubMed). Review studies with distinctive designs were included, published from 2010 onwards, without language restrictions. Assessment of the methodological quality of the studies was not performed. A meta-aggregative narrative synthesis was used to report the findings. RESULTS: Ten reviews were included. A total of 37 elements of competency were identified, eight were categorized as knowledge, 19 as skills and 10 as attitudes. These elements were aggregated into four competency profiles: researcher, health professional, decision-maker and citizen. The competency profiles included different sets of EIPM-related knowledge, skills and attitudes. STRENGTHS AND LIMITATIONS: This study is innovative because it aggregates different profiles of competency from a practical perspective, favouring the application of its results in different contexts to support EIPM. Methodological limitations are related to the shortcuts adopted in this review: complementary searches of the grey literature were not performed, and the study selection and data extraction were not conducted in duplicate. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS: CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS: EIPM requires the development of individual and organizational capacities. This rapid review contributes to the discussion on the institutionalization of EIPM in health systems. The competency profiles presented here can support discussions about the availability of capacity and the need for its development in different contexts.

A review of immunization legislation for children in English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries.

Objective: To assess the legislative frameworks concerning childhood vaccination in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean and propose a model legislative framework for Caribbean countries. Methods: This study included a survey of 22 countries and territories in the Caribbean regarding legal vaccination mandates for school entry, budget allocations, sanctions, or exemptions. A legal consultant conducted a comprehensive search and analysis of legislation regarding vaccination among 13 Caribbean countries/territories. A comparative analysis of the legislation under five themes-legislative structure, mandatory vaccination, national immunization schedule, sanctions, and exemptions-formed the basis for the proposed model legislation. Results: Among the 22 Caribbean countries/territories, 17 (77%) had legislation mandating vaccination, 16 (94%) mandated vaccination for school entry, 8 (47%) had a dedicated budget for immunization programs, and 13 (76%) had no legislated national schedules. The source of legislation includes six (35%) using the Education Act, eight (47%) the Public Health Act, and five (29%) a free-standing Vaccination Act. Three countries/territories-Jamaica, Montserrat, and Saint Lucia-had immunization regulations. In 12 (71%) of the 17 countries with legislation, sanctions were included, and 10 (59%) permitted exemptions for medical or religious/philosophical beliefs. Conclusions: Several countries in the Caribbean have made failure to vaccinate a child an offense. By summarizing the existing legislative frameworks and approaches to immunization in the Caribbean, the analysis guides policymakers in making effective changes to immunization legislation in their own countries.

An ethical analysis of policy dialogues.

BACKGROUND: A policy dialogue is a tool which promotes evidence-informed policy-making. It involves deliberation about a high-priority issue, informed by a synthesis of the best-available evidence, where potential policy interventions are discussed by stakeholders. We offer an ethical analysis of policy dialogues - an argument about how policy dialogues ought to be conceived and executed - to guide those organizing and participating in policy dialogues. Our analysis focuses on the deliberative dialogues themselves, rather than ethical issues in the broader policy context within which they are situated. METHODS: We conduct a philosophical conceptual analysis of policy dialogues, informed by a formal and an interpretative literature review. RESULTS: We identify the objectives of policy dialogues, and consider the procedural and substantive values that should govern them. As knowledge translation tools, the chief objective of policy dialogues is to ensure that prospective evidence-informed health policies are appropriate for and likely to support evidence-informed decision-making in a particular context. We identify five core characteristics which serve this objective: policy dialogues are (i) focused on a high-priority issue, (ii) evidence-informed, (iii) deliberative, (iv) participatory and (v) action-oriented. In contrast to dominant ethical frameworks for policy-making, we argue that transparency and accountability are not central procedural values for policy dialogues, as they are liable to inhibit the open deliberation that is necessary for successful policy dialogues. Instead, policy dialogues are legitimate insofar as they pursue the objectives and embody the core characteristics identified above. Finally, we argue that good policy dialogues need to actively consider a range of substantive values other than health benefit and equity. CONCLUSIONS: Policy dialogues should recognize the limits of effectiveness as a guiding value for policy-making, and operate with an expansive conception of successful outcomes. We offer a set of questions to support those organizing and participating in policy dialogues.

Estratégias para abordar a Judicialização da Saúde no Brasil: uma síntese de evidências / Strategies to approach the judicialization of health in Brazil: an evidence brief

Resumo A fim de identificar e discutir opções informadas por evidências para abordar a judicialização da saúde no Brasil, utilizou-se as Ferramentas SUPPORT (Supporting Policy Relevant Reviews and Trials). A busca foi realizada nas bases PubMed; Health Systems Evidence; Campbell Collaboration; Cochrane Library; Rx for Change Database e PDQ-Evidence. A seleção e avaliação da qualidade metodológica foi feita por dois revisores independentes. Os resultados foram apresentados numa síntese narrativa. Dezenove revisões sistemáticas apontam quatro opções: 1) Serviço de respostas rápidas; 2) Programa de educação permanente; 3) Serviço de mediação entre as partes envolvidas; e 4) Adoção de ferramenta online (baseada em computador) de suporte à decisão e de intervenções mediadas por pacientes. Conclusões: Apresentamos e caracterizamos quatro opções que podem ser consideradas para abordar a judicialização da saúde. A implementação dessas opções deve garantir a participação de diferentes atores, refletindo sobre variados contextos. Recursos humanos e financeiros, capacitação das equipes, são os principais pontos críticos.

Abstract This article seeks to identify and discuss evidence-informed options to address the judicialization of health. The Supporting Policy Relevant Reviews and Trials Tools were used to define the problem and the search strategy, which was carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Health Systems Evidence, Campbell, Cochrane Collaboration, Rx for Change Database, and PDQ-Evidence. Selection and assessment of methodological quality was performed by two independent reviewers. The results were presented in a narrative synthesis. This study selected 19 systematic reviews that pointed out four strategies to address the judicialization of health in Brazil: 1) Rapid response service, 2) Continuous education program, 3) Mediation service between the parties involved, and 4) Adoption of a computer-based, online decision-making support tool and patient-mediated interventions. This study therefore presented and characterized four options that can be considered to address the judicialization of health. The implementation of these options must ensure the participation of different actors, reflecting on different contexts and the impact on the health system. The availability of human and financial resources and the training of teams are critical points for the successful implementation of the options.

Supporting the routine use of evidence during the policy-making process: a WHO Checklist

This WHO checklist is for any organization or person supporting the routine use of evidence in the process of policy-making. Evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM) is essential for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and universal health coverage (UHC). Its importance is emphasized in WHO's Thirteenth General Programme of Work 2019­2023 (GPW13). This checklist was developed by the WHO Secretariat of Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) to assist its Member countries in institutionalizing EIPM. Government agencies (i.e. the staff of the Ministry of Health), knowledge intermediaries and researchers focused on strengthening EIPM will find in this checklist some key steps and tools to help their work. While the health sector is a key target group for EVIPNet, this tool can be applied by stakeholders from different social sectors. The focus of this tool is to present the domains and processes through which government bodies can institutionalize the use of evidence. It can be used by people and organizations supporting governments, from the inside or the outside, to reflect on its path towards evidence-informed policy-making (EIPM). Given the general paucity of texts that offer guidance in understanding the institutionalization of EIPM, this tool is largely based on two recent systematic reviews/critical interpretive syntheses, one of which was developed specifically for the Checklist. These summarize the available evidence on this subject.

Adesão, barreiras e facilitadores no tratamento de hipertensão arterial: revisão rápida de evidências / Adherence, barriers, and facilitators for the treatment of systemic arterial hypertension: rapid review of evidence / Adhesión, obstáculos y elementos facilitadores en relación con el tratamiento de la hipertensión: revisión rápida de la evidencia

RESUMO Objetivo. Identificar estratégias para aumentar a adesão ao tratamento de hipertensão arterial sistêmica (HAS) e descrever as barreiras e os facilitadores para implementação dessas estratégias na atenção primária à saúde (APS). Métodos. Foi realizada uma revisão rápida de evidências. Foram incluídas revisões sistemáticas, com ou sem metanálises, publicadas em inglês, espanhol ou português, que avaliaram adultos (18 a ≤ 60 anos) com HAS acompanhados na APS. As buscas foram realizadas em nove bases de dados em dezembro de 2020 e atualizadas em abril de 2022. As revisões sistemáticas incluídas foram avaliadas quanto à qualidade metodológica por meio da ferramenta AMSTAR 2. Resultados. Foram incluídas 14 revisões sistemáticas sobre estratégias de adesão ao tratamento e três sobre barreiras e facilitadores para implementação. A qualidade metodológica foi moderada em uma revisão sistemática, baixa em quatro e criticamente baixa nas demais. Quatro estratégias foram identificadas como opções para políticas de saúde: ações realizadas por farmacêuticos; ações realizadas por profissionais não farmacêuticos; automonitoramento, uso de aplicativos de celular e mensagens de texto; e oferta de subsídios para aquisição de medicamentos. O baixo letramento digital, o acesso limitado à internet, processos de trabalho e formação incipiente foram barreiras para os profissionais. Foram facilitadores o nível educacional e de letramento em saúde dos usuários, a acessibilidade aos serviços de saúde e o bom relacionamento com os profissionais. Conclusões. Identificaram-se efeitos positivos de estratégias relacionadas à atenção farmacêutica, automonitoramento e uso de aplicativos de celular e mensagem de texto para aumentar a adesão ao tratamento da HAS no âmbito da APS. Porém, para fins de implementação, é preciso considerar barreiras e facilitadores, além das limitações metodológicas das revisões sistemáticas analisadas.

ABSTRACT Objective. To identify strategies to increase adherence to systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) treatment and describe the barriers and facilitators for implementing these strategies in primary health care (PHC). Method. A rapid evidence review was performed. We included systematic reviews with or without meta-analyses, published in English, Spanish or Portuguese, covering adults (age 18 to ≤ 60 years) with SAH followed in the PHC. Searches were performed in nine databases in December 2020 and updated in April 2022. The systematic reviews were assessed for methodological quality using the AMSTAR 2 tool. Results. Fourteen systematic reviews on treatment adherence strategies and three on barriers and facilitators for implementation were included. Regarding methodological quality, one systematic review was classified as moderate, four as low, and the others as critically low. Four strategies were identified as options for health policies: actions performed by pharmacists; actions performed by non-pharmaceutical health professionals; self-monitoring, use of mobile apps, and text messages; and subsidies for the purchase of medicines. Low digital literacy, limited access to the internet, work process and incipient training were barriers for professionals. The users' educational and health literacy levels, accessibility to health services and good relationships with professionals were facilitators. Conclusions. Positive effects of strategies related to pharmaceutical care, self-monitoring, and the use of cell phone applications and text messages were identified to increase adherence to the treatment of SAH in the context of PHC. However, for implementation purposes, it is necessary to consider barriers and facilitators, in addition to the methodological limitations of the analyzed systematic reviews.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Buscar estrategias para aumentar la adhesión al tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial sistémica y describir las barreras y los elementos facilitadores para la implementación de esas estrategias en el ámbito de la atención primaria de salud. Métodos. Se realizó una revisión rápida de la evidencia. Se incluyeron revisiones sistemáticas, con o sin metaanálisis, publicadas en español, inglés o portugués, en las cuales se evaluaban a personas adultas (de 18 a ≤ 60 años) con hipertensión arterial sistémica observadas en el ámbito de la atención primaria de salud. Las búsquedas se realizaron en nueve bases de datos en diciembre del 2020 y se actualizaron en abril del 2022. Se evaluó la calidad metodológica de las revisiones sistemáticas incluidas con la herramienta AMSTAR 2. Resultados. Se incluyeron 14 revisiones sistemáticas sobre estrategias de adhesión al tratamiento y tres sobre obstáculos y elementos facilitadores para la implementación. La calidad metodológica fue moderada en una revisión sistemática, baja en cuatro y críticamente baja en las demás. Se identificaron cuatro estrategias como opciones para las políticas de salud: medidas tomadas por farmacéuticos; medidas tomadas por profesionales no farmacéuticos; autocontrol, uso de aplicaciones para teléfonos celulares y mensajes de texto; y oferta de subvenciones para la compra de medicamentos. La escasa alfabetización digital, el acceso limitado a internet y los procesos de trabajo y formación incipiente fueron obstáculos para los profesionales. Los elementos facilitadores fueron el nivel de educación y de conocimientos de los usuarios en materia de salud, la accesibilidad a los servicios de salud y las buenas relaciones con los profesionales. Conclusiones. Se observaron efectos positivos de las estrategias relacionadas con la atención farmacéutica, el autocontrol y el uso de aplicaciones de telefonía celular y mensajería de texto para aumentar la adhesión al tratamiento de la hipertensión arterial sistémica en el ámbito de la atención primaria de salud. Sin embargo, para fines de implementación, es necesario considerar los obstáculos y los elementos facilitadores, además de las limitaciones metodológicas de las revisiones sistemáticas analizadas.

Evolução temporal de indicadores de consumo alimentar e estado nutricional relacionados às doenças crônicas entre adultos na cidade do Rio de Janeiro e nas demais capitais brasileiras, 2006-2019 / Temporal trend of indicators of food consumption and nutritional status related to noncommunicable diseases in adults from the city of Rio de Janeiro and other Brazilian capitals, 2006 to 2019

Resumo Introdução: Alimentação e estado nutricional inadequados são importantes fatores de risco para doenças crônicas não transmissíveis (DCNT). No Brasil, a cidade do Rio de Janeiro (RJ) tem se destacado pela elevada prevalência de obesidade. Objetivo: Avaliar a evolução temporal de indicadores de consumo alimentar e de estado nutricional, relacionados às DCNT, em adultos da cidade do Rio de Janeiro e das demais capitais brasileiras. Método: Utilizou-se dados do Vigitel de 2006 a 2019. Modelos de regressão de Prais-Winsten foram empregados para avaliar a variação na prevalência dos indicadores de interesse. Esses foram definidos com base nas metas do Plano Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional (2016-19) e do Plano de Ações Estratégicas para o Enfrentamento das DCNT no Brasil (2011-22). Resultados: Não houve variação significativa no consumo regular e recomendado de frutas e hortaliças, assim como no consumo regular de doces. O consumo regular de refrigerantes diminuiu no RJ e nas demais capitais no período. A prevalência de excesso de peso e de obesidade aumentou significativamente no RJ e nas demais capitais do país. Conclusões: A evolução dos indicadores revela um cenário desfavorável para a saúde da população e para o alcance das metas dos planos nacionais.

Abstract Background: Inadequate diet and nutritional status are important risk factors for noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). In Brazil, the city of Rio de Janeiro (RJ) has stood out for its high prevalence of obesity. Objective: To evaluate the temporal trend of indicators of food consumption and nutritional status related to NCDs in the adult population of the city of RJ and other Brazilian capitals. Method: Vigitel data between 2006 and 2019 were used. Prais-Winsten regression was used to evaluate the variation in the prevalence of interest indicators. These were defined based on the goals of the National Plan for Food and Nutritional Security (Plano Nacional de Segurança Alimentar e Nutricional - 2016-19) and the Strategic Action Plan to Tackle NCDs in Brazil (Plano de Ações Estratégicas para o Enfrentamento das DCNT no Brasil - 2011-22). Results: Regular and recommended consumption of fruits and vegetables and regular consumption of sweets did not present significant variation, while the regular consumption of soft drinks decreased in RJ and other capitals during the period. The prevalence of excess weight and obesity increased significantly in RJ and in other capitals. Conclusions: The trend of the indicators reveals an unfavorable scenario for the health's population and to achieve the goals proposed in the national plans.

A review of immunization legislation for children in English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean countries / Revisión de los marcos legislativos sobre vacunación infantil en países de habla inglesa y neerlandesa del Caribe / Revisão da legislação relativa à imunização em crianças nos países do Caribe de língua inglesa e holandesa

ABSTRACT Objective. To assess the legislative frameworks concerning childhood vaccination in the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean and propose a model legislative framework for Caribbean countries. Methods. This study included a survey of 22 countries and territories in the Caribbean regarding legal vaccination mandates for school entry, budget allocations, sanctions, or exemptions. A legal consultant conducted a comprehensive search and analysis of legislation regarding vaccination among 13 Caribbean countries/territories. A comparative analysis of the legislation under five themes—legislative structure, mandatory vaccination, national immunization schedule, sanctions, and exemptions—formed the basis for the proposed model legislation. Results. Among the 22 Caribbean countries/territories, 17 (77%) had legislation mandating vaccination, 16 (94%) mandated vaccination for school entry, 8 (47%) had a dedicated budget for immunization programs, and 13 (76%) had no legislated national schedules. The source of legislation includes six (35%) using the Education Act, eight (47%) the Public Health Act, and five (29%) a free-standing Vaccination Act. Three countries/territories—Jamaica, Montserrat, and Saint Lucia—had immunization regulations. In 12 (71%) of the 17 countries with legislation, sanctions were included, and 10 (59%) permitted exemptions for medical or religious/philosophical beliefs. Conclusions. Several countries in the Caribbean have made failure to vaccinate a child an offense. By summarizing the existing legislative frameworks and approaches to immunization in the Caribbean, the analysis guides policymakers in making effective changes to immunization legislation in their own countries.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Evaluar los marcos legislativos relativos a la vacunación infantil en el Caribe de habla inglesa y neerlandesa y proponer un modelo de marco legislativo para los países del Caribe. Métodos. En este estudio se incluyó una encuesta en 22 países y territorios del Caribe sobre los requisitos legales de vacunación para el ingreso escolar, asignaciones presupuestarias, sanciones o exenciones. Un consultor jurídico realizó una búsqueda y un análisis exhaustivos de la legislación relativa a la vacunación en 13 países y territorios del Caribe. Un análisis comparativo de la legislación dividido en cinco temas (estructura legislativa, vacunación obligatoria, calendario nacional de vacunación, sanciones y exenciones) formó la base del modelo de legislación propuesto. Resultados. Entre los 22 países y territorios del Caribe, 17 (77%) contaban con leyes sobre vacunación obligatoria, 16 (94%) exigían la vacunación para el ingreso escolar, 8 (47%) tenían un presupuesto dedicado a los programas de vacunación y 13 (76%) no disponían de calendarios nacionales estipulados por ley. Entre las fuentes de la legislación, seis países y territorios (35%) empleaban la ley de educación, ocho (47%) la ley de salud pública y cinco (29%) una ley independiente de vacunación. Tres países y territorios —Jamaica, Montserrat y Santa Lucía— disponían de regulaciones sobre vacunación. Doce (71%) de los 17 países con legislación tenían sanciones y 10 (59%) permitían exenciones por creencias médicas o religiosas o filosóficas. Conclusiones. Varios países del Caribe han tipificado como delito el no vacunar a un niño o niña. Al resumir los enfoques y marcos legislativos existentes para la vacunación en el Caribe, este análisis ofrece orientaciones a los responsables de formular las políticas para que realicen modificaciones efectivas en la legislación relativa a la vacunación en sus propios países.

RESUMO Objetivo. Avaliar as estruturas da legislação relativas à vacinação em crianças no Caribe de língua inglesa e holandesa e propor um modelo de legislação para os países caribenhos. Métodos. Este estudo incluiu uma pesquisa relativa à exigência legal em 22 países e territórios do Caribe de vacinação para admissão em escolas, alocações orçamentárias, sanções ou isenções. Um consultor jurídico realizou ampla pesquisa e análise da legislação relativa à vacinação em 13 países/territórios do Caribe. Uma análise comparativa da legislação referente a cinco temas - estrutura legislativa, vacinação obrigatória, cronograma nacional de imunização, sanções e isenções - formou a base para o modelo de legislação proposto. Resultados. Entre os 22 países/territórios caribenhos, 17 (77%) tinham legislação que exigia a vacinação; em 16 (94%), a vacinação era obrigatória para admissão na escola; 8 (47%) tinham orçamento exclusivo para programas de imunização; e em 13 (76%), a legislação não contemplava cronogramas nacionais. Com relação à fonte da legislação, seis (35%) países usavam a legislação de educação; oito, (47%) a Legislação de Saúde Pública; e cinco (29%), legislação de vacinação independente. Três países/territórios - Jamaica, Montserrat e Santa Lúcia - tinham regulamentações para imunização. Dos 17 países com legislação, 12 (71%) incluíam sanções e 10 (59%) permitiam isenções por crenças médicas ou religiosas/filosóficas. Conclusões. Diversos países do Caribe estabelecem que não vacinar uma criança é violação da lei. Ao resumir as estruturas de legislação existentes e as abordagens da imunização no Caribe, a análise orienta os formuladores de políticas a realizar mudanças efetivas na legislação de imunização em seus próprios países.

Necessidades em Saúde do Trabalhador da Atenção Básica: relato de experiência de articulação entre pesquisadores, gestores e trabalhadores no Município de São Paulo / Health needs of primary care workers: an experience report of articulation between researchers, managers and workers in the city of São Paulo

Resumo A Tradução do Conhecimento (TC) disponibiliza tecnologias que podem ser empregadas na operacionalização da integração entre universidade e sociedade, para a formulação de políticas informadas por evidências, em resposta a necessidades em saúde. A partir da formação de um grupo de trabalho - uma das tecnologias de TC disponíveis - e para compreender as necessidades em saúde dos trabalhadores inseridos na Atenção Básica (AB), este estudo objetivou relatar a experiência de problematização e instrumentalização realizada com pesquisadores, gestores e trabalhadores da AB no município de São Paulo. O referencial do Materialismo Histórico e Dialético conduziu o processo de realização de oficinas emancipatórias com os participantes. Dessa forma, foram levantados problemas enfrentados pelos trabalhadores, e realizados workshops e seminários de instrumentalização, de acordo com as necessidades do grupo de participantes. No processo de compreensão das necessidades em saúde dos trabalhadores da AB, os participantes relacionaram as formas de organização do trabalho aos desgastes dos trabalhadores, o que foi enfatizado pelo grupo. A formação do grupo foi estratégica para alcançar o objetivo, bem como direcionar a pesquisa sobre as respostas às necessidades em saúde dos trabalhadores na área, etapa seguinte da TC.

Abstract Knowledge Translation (KT) provides technologies that can be used to operationalize the collaboration between university and society for evidence-informed policy-making in response to health needs. Based on the formation of a working group (one of the available KT technologies) and to understand the health needs of Primary Health Care (PHC) workers in the city of São Paulo, this study aimed to report the experience of problematization and instrumentalization carried out with researchers, managers and PHC workers of the city of São Paulo. The Historical and Dialectical Materialism oriented the process of emancipatory workshops with the participants. The problems faced by the workers were raised and workshops and seminars were held to provide knowledge according to the needs of the group of participants. In the process of understanding the health needs of PHC workers the participants related the forms of work organization to the workers' wear out, which was emphasized by the group. The formation of the group was strategic to reach the objective and also to direct the research on the answers to the health needs of workers in the area, the next stage of the KT.

How can health technology assessment support our response to public health emergencies?

Public health emergencies (PHEs), such as the COVID-19 crisis, are threats to global health and public order. We recommend that countries bolster their PHE responses by investing in health technology assessment (HTA), defined as a systematic process of gathering pertinent information on and evaluating health technologies from a medical, economic, social and ethical standpoint. We present examples of how HTA organizations in low- and middle-income countries have adapted to supporting PHE-related decisions during COVID-19 and describe the ways HTA can help the response to a PHE. In turn, we advocate for HTA capacity to be further developed globally and for increased institutional acceptance of these methods as a building block for preparedness and response to future PHEs. Finally, the long-term potential of HTA in strengthening health systems and embedding confidence and transparency into scientific policy should be recognized.