Utilization of Health Research Recommendation in Policy and Planning in Nepal.
BACKGROUND
Over the past decade in Nepal, a large number of studies have been carried in a variety of health areas; however whether evidence derived from these studies has been used to inform health policy has not been explored. This study aims to assess the utilization of recommendations from health research in health policy and plans, and to identify the factors that influence utilization of research findings by policy makers' in Nepal.


METHODS
Qualitative study incorporating literature review and semi-structured interviews was used. Research reports and health related policies were collected from governmental and non-governmental bodies. Documents were reviewed to identify the utilization of research-based recommendations in health policy and plan formulation. In-depth interviews were conducted with key policy makers and researchers to identify factors that hinder the utilization of research recommendations.


RESULTS
A total of 83 health related research reports were identified, of which 48 had recommendations. Four policies and three plans, from total 21 identified plans and policies, were found to have incorporated recommendations from research. Of the 48 studies that had recommendations, 35 were found to be used in the policy making process. Lack of appropriate communication mechanisms, and concerns related to the quality of research conducted, were the main factors hindering the translation of evidence into policy.


CONCLUSIONS
Communication gaps exist between researchers and policy makers, which seem to have impeded the utilization of research-based information and recommendations in decision-making process. Establishing a unit responsible for synthesizing evidences and producing actionable messages for policy makers can improve utilization of research findings.
Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Ramshahpath, Kathmandu, Nepal.
M
M
Dhimal
Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Ramshahpath, Kathmandu, Nepal.
A R
AR
Pandey
Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Ramshahpath, Kathmandu, Nepal.
K K
KK
Aryal
Central Department of Health and Physical Education, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
C B
CB
Budhathoki
Faculty of Nursing, Kathmandu Univeristy, Dhulikhel, Nepal.
D L
DL
Vaidya
Nepal Health Research Council (NHRC), Ramshahpath, Kathmandu, Nepal.
K K
KK
Karki
Institute of Medicine, Tribhuvan University, Kathmandu, Nepal.
S
S
Onta
D003657:Decision Making; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D009390:Nepal; D011050:Policy Making; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012106:Research
Actionable message; evidence based policy making; Nepal; policy making utilization of research recommendation.