Evidence Reviews. Apart from the defined work program of a CRE this model of research provides an infrastructure to make expertise available to policymakers at short notice. Targeted short turnaround Evidence Reviews conducted by APHCRI and the CRE Network encourage a greater “co-creation” of new primary health care policies using the best research evidence as a starting point. APHCRI supports this process by assisting the Department to scope requirements and coordinating engagement with the CRE Network. Evidence reviews could be prepared by CREs within available resources where there is a strong similarity between the core work program of the CRE and the Department’s specific request for evidence. Purpose of an Evidence Review The purpose of an Evidence Review is to identify gaps in our evidence base for key primary health care policy problems; and to fill the evidence gaps using systematic and timely processes. Evidence Reviews are brief syntheses of research relating to a targeted question conducted over a very short time frame (a few weeks). Evidence is primarily drawn from existing high quality reviews and/or large-scale trials, and some expert opinion may be offered. The reviews provide policy makers with objective, reliable, relevant and timely primary health care services research evidence that is used in the development, implementation, review and evaluation of policy and services. In essence, the Evidence Reviews contribute to the policy debate, assisting it to be informed by research evidence and thinking. The process of developing Evidence Reviews provides an opportunity for knowledge exchange between researchers and policymakers at a point where policymakers have a need for evidence. For researchers, engaging with policymakers has the potential to influence the policy process more directly by providing evidence within timeframes needed by policy makers. Clearly defined nature of evidence Policy makers need to be clear on what research they require, for what purpose and where possible provide context and the broad policy objectives underlying their request for evidence. This will allow researchers a better understanding of the potential uses of their research and improve their ability to respond appropriately. The scope of any evidence request will need to be negotiated with the CRE taking into account timeframes, purpose and departmental needs. At the earliest stage possible, researchers need to be involved in confirming the scope of the evidence required and t...
Evidence Reviews
