Learning from success in evidence-informed decision making

Session: 

Oral session: Knowledge translation and communicating evidence (8)

Date: 

Tuesday 18 September 2018 - 15:00 to 15:10

Location: 

Sidlaw Auditorium

All authors in correct order:

Dobbins M1, Clark E1, Ciliska D1
1 National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools/McMaster University, Canada
Presenting author and contact person

Presenting author:

Maureen Dobbins

Contact person:

Maureen Dobbins
Emily Clark
Abstract text
Background: Using research evidence to inform public health practice, programs and policy is a growing priority in Canada. The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools (NCCMT) assembled evidence-informed decision making (EIDM) stories into an online casebook. Public health professionals were invited to submit abstracts describing efforts to achieve EIDM in practice or policy; the nine selected stories illustrate what EIDM looks like in public health.

Objectives: The Casebook was assembled to demonstrate that public health EIDM is feasible across a variety of settings and contexts, as well as provide examples with specific and tangible tips for success.

Methods: A call for abstracts was issued through the NCCMT’s channels. A total of 14 abstracts were received. Abstracts were reviewed externally and internally for a strategy, intervention or program to implement evidence in practice, policy or decision-making. Preference was given to abstracts that included an evaluation plan and a description of impact. Nine abstracts were selected and authors were asked to develop their stories with support from the NCCMT. Finalized stories were published on the NCCMT’s website.

Results: Featured projects demonstrate both the use of evidence to change policy and practice, as well as initiatives that build the capacity of organizations to support the use of evidence. Several keys for success were common across case studies and provide guidance for implementing EIDM. Many Casebook stories were featured in a new author-led peer-to-peer webinar series. This series connects public health practitioners with leaders in their fields and provides opportunities to ask questions and engage in discussion. Several authors have also been invited to present as part of a panel on EIDM at the Ontario Public Health Convention in 2018.

Conclusions: These stories are rich resources to guide participants seeking strategies to meet new standards for evidence use effectively, or guide participants looking to expand their EIDM portfolio. Compelling stories are paired with actionable recommendations to share examples of EIDM effectively with the public health community.

Consumer involvement: Public health practitioners were involved in all steps of assembling the EIDM Casebook, from writing abstracts to presenting case stories in webinars and conference presentations.

Relevance to patients and consumers: 

Using research evidence to inform public health practice, programs and policy is a growing priority in Canada. The National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools assembled an online Casebook of success stories in evidence-informed public health. The stories are written by public health professionals for public health professionals, to demonstrate that using evidence to inform public health is achievable in a wide range of settings and contexts. Stories include specific and actionable tips for success. Many of these stories have been featured in a peer-to-peer webinar series connecting public health professionals with their peers.