The Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) in Chile: lessons learned from a year of coordinated efforts

• Published in: Revista panamericana de salud pública Vol. 43; p. e36
• Main Authors: Mansilla, Cristián, Herrera, Cristian A, Basagoitia, Andrea, Pantoja, Tomás
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Pan American Health Organization (Organizacion Panamericana de la Salud) 01-01-2017; Organización Panamericana de la Salud
• Subjects: Capacity building approach; First year; Health care; Health care policy; Health initiatives; Health Policy & Services; Organizational structure; Policy making; Policy networks; Public health; Scientific evidence; Special Report; Translation; Workshops; Chile; health systems; formulação de políticas; policy making; public health policy; strategies; Políticas; política de saúde; planejamento e administração em saúde; Chile; Health policy, planning and management; planning and management; planificación y administración en salud; Health policy; políticas públicas de salud; formulación de políticas
• ISSN: 1020-4989; 1680-5348; 1680-5348
• DOI: 10.26633/RPSP.2017.36

Informing the health policymaking process with the best available scientific evidence has become relevant to health systems globally. Knowledge Translation Platforms (KTP), such as the World Health Organization's Evidence Informed Policy Networks (EVIPNet), are a recognized strategy for linking research to action. This report describes the experience of implementing EVIPNet in Chile, from its objectives, organizational structure, strategy, activities, and main outputs, to its evolution over the course of its first year. Lessons learned are also covered. Of the activities initiated by EVIPNet-Chile, the Rapid Response Service proved to be a good starting point for engaging policymakers. Capacity building workshops and policy dialogues with relevant stakeholders were also successful. Additionally, EVIPNet-Chile developed a model for engaging academic institutions in policymaking through a network focused on preparing evidence briefs. A number of challenges, such as changing methods for producing rapid evidence syntheses, were also identified. This KTP implementation model located in a Ministry of Health could contribute to the development of similar initiatives in other health systems.