Ensuring high-quality information is available to inform policy-making remains a challenge in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Addressing this requires different strategies of generating, gathering and synthesizing health systems research (HSR). HSR synthesis – encompassing methods of gathering and synthesizing the results of multiple studies – is one such approach to informing policy-making aimed at improving health systems performance.
Stimulating the synthesis and uptake of health policy and systems research is core to the Alliance`s work. Since its inception, the Alliance has led a range of health systems research (HSR) synthesis initiatives to improve health systems performance. Among these include the establishment of systematic review centres; the development of HSR synthesis methods and tools; the engagement of policy- and decision-makers through priority setting; and the creation of a global expert advisory group on HSR synthesis. Despite growing recognition of the role HSR synthesis can play in informing policy-decisions, a number of methodological and evidence uptake challenges remain. This is especially the case in low- and middle-income countries where institutional capacity to synthesize health systems research is lacking.
The Alliance is committed to tackling these challenges and building on the momentum of its past work in HSR synthesis. Through active engagement in global partnerships and collaborations with new and emerging bodies such as Global Evidence Synthesis Initiative (GESI) and Evidence Synthesis International, the Alliance has a leading role to play in harnessing the expertise of its Advisory Group and networks to strengthen the field of HSR synthesis. In the next year, the Alliance will focus its energies on the following programmes:
Key Programmes
1. HSR Synthesis Advisory Group
Recognizing the need for a space to exchange knowledge and learning to inform future developments in the field in health systems research synthesis, the Alliance has convened global HSR synthesis experts since 2009 to identify and discuss challenges for the field. The advisory group is a member network representing institutions, groups, and collaborations interested in HSR synthesis and its use in decision-making processes.
2. HSR Synthesis Methods and Tools
Strong methods and tools are critical in ensuring the quality of HSR synthesis. Working with experts within its networks, the Alliance continues to play a leading role in setting norms, standard and guidance for the field of HSR synthesis. One example of this is its support in developing the GRADE-CERQual approach – a new tool that can assess how much confidence to place in evidence from reviews of qualitative research.
3. Systematic Review Centres
Since 2007, the Alliance has supported the establishment and on-going activities of systematic review centres (SRCs) across select low- and middle-income countries. SRCs produce high quality systematic reviews on health systems research to inform policy- and decision-making. To address the complexities and challenges of health systems research uptake and use, SRCs have also been testing different approaches of involving decision-makers in research synthesis processes.
For more information, contact Etienne Langlois (langloise@who.int).