Opportunities for linking research to policy: lessons learned from implementation research in sexual and reproductive health within the ANSER network

Abstract

BackgroundThe uptake of findings from sexual and reproductive health and rights research into policy-making remains a complex and non-linear process. Different models of research utilisation and guidelines to maximise this in policy-making exist, however, challenges still remain for researchers to improve uptake of their research findings and for policy-makers to use research evidence in their work.MethodsA participatory workshop with researchers was organised in November 2017 by the Academic Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy (ANSER) to address this gap. ANSER is a consortium of experienced researchers, some of whom have policy-making experience, working on sexual and reproductive health and rights issues across 16 countries and 5 continents. The experiential learning cycle was used to guide the workshop discussions based on case studies and to encourage participants to focus on key lessons learned. Workshop findings were thematically analysed using specific stages from Hanney et al.’s (Health Res Policy Syst 1:2, 2003) framework on the place of policy-making in the stages of assessment of research utilisation and outcomes.ResultsThe workshop identified key strategies for translating research into policy, including joint agenda-setting between researchers and policy-makers, as well as building trust and partnerships with different stakeholders. These were linked to stages within Hanney et al.’s framework as opportunities for engaging with policy-makers to ensure uptake of research findings.ConclusionThe engagement of stakeholders during the research development and implementation phases, especially at strategic moments, has a positive impact on uptake of research findings. The strategies and stages described in this paper can be applied to improve utilisation of research findings into policy development and implementation globally.

Barriers to sexual and reproductive health and rights of migrant and refugee youth: An exploratory socio-ecological qualitative analysis

“…Therefore, intergenerational dialogues are crucial in destigmatising and normalising discussions about SRHR. These dialogues facilitate the exchange of knowledge and experiences between different generations, leading to a better understanding and acceptance of SRHR issues (Branquinho et al, 2022; Ogbe et al, 2018; Schmitt et al, 2015). Drawing from Schmitt et al’s (2015) analysis of SRHR in post-Soviet society, intergenerational dialogue contributed to more effective use of older people’s potential for generativity.…”

“…Drawing from Schmitt et al’s (2015) analysis of SRHR in post-Soviet society, intergenerational dialogue contributed to more effective use of older people’s potential for generativity. Such strategy provides an opportunity for joint agenda-setting and policy framing, and advocating prioritising purposive SRHR issues (Ogbe et al, 2018).…”

Reducing Sexual and Reproductive Health Inequities Between Natives and Migrants: A Delphi Consensus for Sustainable Cross-Cultural Healthcare Pathways

“…The Academic Network for Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights Policy (ANSER) is a global platform for SRH and rights policy research, education and healthcare delivery that addresses the gap between research and policy in this area. It is a good example of how SRH research findings can be translated into feasible policy and practice by engaging effectively stakeholders at different stages of the research cycle and by taking into account existing and changing political contexts and priorities ( 140 ).…”

Research and Policy

“…Moreover, some policymakers seem to prefer not to know about the research on a particular topic; sometimes, following an agenda without relying on rigorous research for information is a preferred strategy for policymakers. In fact, policymakers often have their own political interests that may make them indifferent at best to rigorously obtained research results (ANSER et al, 2018).…”