Taking a systems approach to explore the impacts and outcomes of a research and evaluation capacity building partnership: a protocol

Abstract

IntroductionPartnership models that bring researchers, policymakers and service providers closer together are gaining traction as a strategy to improve public health practice. Yet, there is little evidence of how these models work, or indeed if they do work. The Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Applied Research and Evaluation Network (SiREN) is one such model. SiREN is a partnership between researchers, policymakers and service providers that aims to develop the research and evaluation capacity and evidence-informed decision making capability of professionals working to address sexual health and bloodborne virus issues in Western Australia. This study will use a systems approach to identify the mechanisms of action, impacts and outcomes of SiREN and inform the development of evaluation tools.Methods and analysisData will be collected from organisational documents, surveys, in-depth interviews and a workshop. It will be analysed using a complex adaptive systems lens and findings will be used to inform the development of a type of qualitative systems model called a causal loop diagram. The causal loop diagram will illustrate the: contextual factors influencing engagement; mechanisms of action; and impacts and outcomes of SiREN. Evaluation tools will then be developed that can be used to assess the indicators identified in the causal loop diagram.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval was obtained from the Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: HRE2017-0090). Participants will be free to withdraw from the study at any point and confidentiality will be maintained by de-identifying participant responses in any published or shared data. The findings from this study will be shared in conference presentations, reports, peer-reviewed journals and online through websites and social media.

Critical factors that affect the functioning of a research and evaluation capacity building partnership: A causal loop diagram

“…Its strategies include: developing partnerships for research and evaluation; co-creating research and evaluation evidence; providing tailored program planning, research and evaluation support; delivering training and resources; and sharing knowledge through a network of over 450 members. A detailed description of SiRENis provided elsewhere [ 16 , 31 ].…”

“…This paper describes SiREN, presents and discusses a causal loop diagram that illustrates factors that affect its operation, and provides insight for others interested in building capacity to engage in research, evaluation or evidence-informed practice in a public health context. This research forms part of a larger study that explores the external processes and outcomes of SiREN [ 31 ].…”

Utilizing Causal Loop Diagramming to Explore a Research and Evaluation Capacity Building Partnership

“…Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study. This study forms part of a larger project described in a previously published study protocol ( 26 ).…”

“…The survey was estimated to take 15 min. The survey was published as part of the study protocol ( 26 ). A link to the survey was emailed to WA-based SiREN network members ( n = 204); just over 50% ( n = 104) responded.…”

“…Interviews sought to explore participant experiences of engaging in research, evaluation and evidence-informed decision-making within the system and engagement with SiREN. The interview guide [see the published study protocol ( 26 )] was developed in consultation with the research team (RT, RL, JH, and BM) and pilot tested with a SiREN staff member. Questions examined the contextual factors influencing research, evaluation and evidence-informed decision-making practices, details of engagement with SiREN, and how and in what ways engagement with SiREN influenced practice.…”