|
Title |
Building capacity for evidence informed decision
making in public health: a case study of
organizational change |
Author(s) |
Leslea Peirson, Donna Ciliska,Maureen Dobbins and David Mowat - Personal Name
|
Subject |
Health System and Policy |
Publisher |
Bio Med Central Ltd |
Publishing Year |
2012 |
Specific Detail Info |
Background: Core competencies for public health in Canada require proficiency in evidence informed decision
making (EIDM). However, decision makers often lack access to information, many workers lack knowledge and skills
to conduct systematic literature reviews, and public health settings typically lack infrastructure to support EIDM
activities. This research was conducted to explore and describe critical factors and dynamics in the early
implementation of one public health unit’s strategic initiative to develop capacity to make EIDM standard practice.
Methods: This qualitative case study was conducted in one public health unit in Ontario, Canada between 2008
and 2010. In-depth information was gathered from two sets of semi-structured interviews and focus groups (n =
27) with 70 members of the health unit, and through a review of 137 documents. Thematic analysis was used to
code the key informant and document data.
Results: The critical factors and dynamics for building EIDM capacity at an organizational level included: clear
vision and strong leadership, workforce and skills development, ability to access research (library services), fiscal
investments, acquisition and development of technological resources, a knowledge management strategy, effective
communication, a receptive organizational culture, and a focus on change management.
Conclusion: With leadership, planning, commitment and substantial investments, a public health department has
made significant progress, within the first two years of a 10-year initiative, towards achieving its goal of becoming
an evidence informed decision making organization. |
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