SUPPORT Tools for Evidence-Informed Policymaking in Health (STP) 6: Using Research Evidence to Address how an Option will be Implemented

Description

Developed by the SUPporting POlicy relevant Reviews and Trials (SUPPORT) Project, this SUPPORT tool provides questions to help decision-makers implement an evidence-based policy in practice. The five questions guide the process of identifying barriers to implementation, and then tailoring the implementation strategies to address identified barriers and facilitators.

Implementing evidence-based policies can be a challenging process. This tool supports the Implement step in Evidence-Informed Public Health (see NCCMT's online learning module to learn more about the Implement step). Other resources in the Registry of Methods and Tools that could assist users in working through this SUPPORT tool include tools for:

• Identifying barriers to change
• Implementation planning
• Change management

This tool is part of a series to support the use of research evidence in policy making. The SUPPORT series includes 18 tools that address four broad areas:

• developing organizational support for evidence-informed policy making
• identifying needs for research evidence for policy making
• finding and assessing research
• moving from research to action

To access the full suite of tools, which are available through the Health Research Policy and Systems journal, click here. To access the tools in a book format, available from the Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services, click here.

Steps for Using Method/Tool

This SUPPORT tool encourages clear implementation planning by investigating the following areas:

• What are potential barriers to the successful implementation of a new policy?
• What strategies should be considered to facilitate behavioural changes among health care recipients and citizens?
• What strategies should be considered to facilitate behavioural changes among health care professionals?
• What strategies should be considered to facilitate organizational changes?
• What strategies should be considered to facilitate systems changes?

Each section includes additional resources, examples and case studies.