Bridging the gap from knowledge to action: Implementation of the data to policy (D2P) training program at sub-national levels in Zambia

Abstract

Knowledge translation is the synthesis, exchange, and application of knowledge by relevant stakeholders to accelerate the benefits of global and local innovation in strengthening health systems. In Zambia, research evidence is recognized as a critical element for the development of sound policies. This requires deliberate efforts towards generating, harvesting, and utilizing evidence from research and program data to inform decision-making. In response, the National Health Research Authority with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative adapted a data to policy curriculum for use at sub-national levels and conducted training for 17 healthcare workers. The objectives of the training were to build the capacity of healthcare workers in analyzing research and other data to inform policy and programming as well as to develop six policy briefs for presentation to policymakers. The curriculum combines epidemiology with economic analysis and modeling to develop informative policy briefs. Sixteen modules were covered and delivered during periodic interactive workshops led by facilitators and mentorship was done in-between sessions. This was done within 6 months from February to August 2022. To assess the participants understanding, Kirkpatrick learning evaluation model was adapted upto level 3; we utilized a pre and posttest method of assessment. At pre-test, about 71% of the participants scored below 50 percent, while at posttest, all the participants scored above 50%. Six policy briefs were successfully developed covering Sexual Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child Adolescent Health and Nutrition topics. Implementation of this program provided a lot of learnings for programs aimed at improving uptake of evidence into action. One of the key learnings was that conducting economic evaluations and mathematical modelling of proposed policy interventions was critical in informing the decision-makers of the cost and benefits of the interventions. Policy options proposed in the policy brief were largely accepted by key stakeholders and proposed for piloting.

Competing Interest Statement

The authors have declared no competing interest.

Funding Statement

This program was made possible with funding from the Swedish embassy in Zambia through the strengthening accountability and coordination of the People at the Centre of Health grant no: 13955 to Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Zambia. The program was implemented by CHAI and National health Research Authority. The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Author Declarations

I confirm all relevant ethical guidelines have been followed, and any necessary IRB and/or ethics committee approvals have been obtained.

Not Applicable

The details of the IRB/oversight body that provided approval or exemption for the research described are given below:

Ethics waiver was obtained from the National health Research Authority. Furthermore, verbal consent was obtained from all the program participants

I confirm that all necessary patient/participant consent has been obtained and the appropriate institutional forms have been archived, and that any patient/participant/sample identifiers included were not known to anyone (e.g., hospital staff, patients or participants themselves) outside the research group so cannot be used to identify individuals.

Not Applicable

I understand that all clinical trials and any other prospective interventional studies must be registered with an ICMJE-approved registry, such as ClinicalTrials.gov. I confirm that any such study reported in the manuscript has been registered and the trial registration ID is provided (note: if posting a prospective study registered retrospectively, please provide a statement in the trial ID field explaining why the study was not registered in advance).

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I have followed all appropriate research reporting guidelines, such as any relevant EQUATOR Network research reporting checklist(s) and other pertinent material, if applicable.

Not Applicable

Data Availability

The data used in this analysis from the program participants is available and uploaded with this submission. However, the actual policy briefs developed are not uploaded with this submission as those will be submitted for publication too

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