How are policy makers using evidence? Models of research utilisation and local NHS policy making.
OBJECTIVE
This paper is based on a qualitative study that aimed to identify factors that facilitate or impede evidence-based policy making at a local level in the UK National Health Service (NHS). It considers how models of research utilisation drawn from the social sciences map onto empirical evidence from this study.


METHODS
A literature review and case studies of social research projects that were initiated by NHS health authority managers or GP fundholders in one region of the NHS. In depth interviews and document analysis were used.


METHODS
One NHS region in England.


METHODS
Policy makers, GPs and researchers working on each of the social research projects selected as case studies.


RESULTS
The direct influence of research evidence on decision making was tempered by factors such as financial constraints, shifting timescales and decision makers' own experiential knowledge. Research was more likely to impact on policy in indirect ways, including shaping policy debate and mediating dialogue between service providers and users.


CONCLUSIONS
The study highlights the role of sustained dialogue between researchers and the users of research in improving the utilisation of research-based evidence in the policy process.
Elliott
H
H
National Primary Care Research and Development Centre at Salford, Public Health Research Resource Centre, The University of Salford, Humphrey Booth House, Hulme Place, The Crescent, Salford M5 4 NY.
Popay
J
J
D004739:England; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000379:methods / Q000592:standards*; D006291:Health Policy / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence*; D006302:Health Services Research; D011050:Policy Making; D013222:State Medicine