Improved public health outcomes can only be achieved when prevention approaches are not just developed but effectively put into action. The key lies in bridging the gap between research and reality through well-executed implementation.
We know that the potential benefits of prevention efforts are often impeded by implementation challenges, for example, a lack of resources, inadequate delivery infrastructure, and limited workforce capacity.
NCOIS researchers were part of a team who synthesised the policy-relevant implications of research from The Australian Prevention Partnership Centre and several prevention focused NHMRC Centres of Research through the Collaboration for Enhanced Research Impact (CERI).
The full report, summary and poster of the report decision tree of the implementation process can be found via this link.
The report provides evidence and tools for policy makers and program implementers to:
- Select a policy or program most likely to be effective
- Think about the best ways of delivering policies and programs to realise their true potential
- Scale up and adapt policies and programs to different contexts to improve reach and equity
- Sustain policies and programs so that adherence and delivery doesn’t slip over time and subsequently impact outcomes.
Two NCOIS research leads involved in this research, Associate Professor Rachel Sutherland and Associate Professor Nicole Nathan, will be giving an overview of the knowledge synthesis process and insights at an upcoming webinar on 20 March 2024, 11am-12pm (AEST). Register here.
Publication:
Combining public health evidence, policy experience and communications expertise to inform preventive health: reflections on a novel method of knowledge synthesis. Health Research Policy and Systems 21, 112 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12961-023-01062-x
