Concept mapping as a method to enhance evidence-based public health.
In this paper we explore the suitability of concept mapping as a method for integrating knowledge from science, practice, and policy. In earlier research we described and analysed five cases of concept mapping procedures in the Netherlands, serving different purposes and fields in public health. In the current paper, seven new concept mapping studies of co-produced work are added to extend this analysis. For each of these twelve studies we analysed: (1) how the method was able to integrate knowledge from practice with scientific knowledge by facilitating dialogue and collaboration between different stakeholders in the field of public health, such as academic researchers, practitioners, policy-makers and the public; (2) how the method was able to bring theory development a step further (scientific relevance); and (3) how the method was able to act as a sound basis for practical decision-making (practical relevance). Based on the answers to these research questions, all but one study was considered useful for building more evidence-based public health, even though the extent to which they underpinned actual decision-making varied. The chance of actually being implemented in practice seems strongly related to the extent to which the responsible decision-makers are involved in the way the concept map is prepared and executed.
Trimbos Institute, the Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction, P.O. Box 725, 3500 AS Utrecht, The Netherlands; Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Brabant, Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Tilburg, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands. Electronic address: MBon@trimbos.nl.
Marja J H
MJH
van Bon-Martens
Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Brabant, Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Tilburg, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands. Electronic address: L.vandeGoor@tilburguniversity.edu.
Ien A M
IAM
van de Goor
Academic Collaborative Centre for Public Health Brabant, Tranzo, Tilburg School of Social and Behavioural Sciences, University of Tilburg, P.O. Box 90153, 5000 LE Tilburg, The Netherlands; National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), P.O. Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands. Electronic address: Hans.van.Oers@rivm.nl.
Hans A M
HAM
van Oers
D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003657:Decision Making; D036262:Empirical Research; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006126:Group Processes; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009426:Netherlands; D011050:Policy Making; D011634:Public Health / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D015980:Public Health Practice; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012107:Research Design
Concept mapping; Evidence-based public health; Public health policy; Public health practice; Theory development