Determining policy-relevant formats for the presentation of falls research evidence.
OBJECTIVE
Population modelling holds considerable promise for identifying the most efficient and cost-effective falls prevention measures, but the outcomes need to be in a readily useable form. This paper describes an iterative, collaborative process undertaken by researchers and falls prevention policy officers to develop such a format for falls prevention intervention evidence.


METHODS
The researchers developed a draft template that underwent several iterations and improvements, through three collaborative consultations with policy officers.


RESULTS
Although the researchers initially identified many key information needs, active engagement with policy officers ensured that policy requirements were met and that the value of the reporting formats for policy decision-making was maximised. Importantly, they highlighted the need to articulate underlying modelling assumptions clearly. The resulting formats, with complete data, were given to policy officers to inform their local jurisdictional policy decisions.


CONCLUSIONS
There is strong benefit in researchers and policy officers collaborating to develop optimal formats for presenting scientific evidence to inform policy decisions. Such a process can reduce concerns of researchers that evidence is not incorporated into policy decisions. They also meet policy officers' needs for evidence to be provided in a way that can directly inform their decision-making processes.
Finch
Caroline F
CF
School of Human Movement and Sport Sciences, University of Ballarat, Mt Helen, Victoria 3353, Australia. c.finch@ballarat.edu.au
Day
Lesley
L
Donaldson
Alex
A
Segal
Leonie
L
Harrison
James E
JE
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001315:Australia; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006801:Humans; D011050:Policy Making; D011640:Public Policy; D012106:Research