Ask the experts: Working with a multidisciplinary international advisory group to advance family planning research knowledge and evidence use

Aine Aventin, Friday Okonofua, Martin Robinson, Jennifer Hanratty, Maria Lohan, Mike Clarke, Eimear Ruane-McAteer, Mark Tomlinson

Research output: Contribution to conferencePosterpeer-review

Abstract

Objective: It is estimated that billions of dollars are wasted globally every year due to the failure to establish priorities for research based on the needs of stakeholders. The INVOLVE_FP study aimed to determine the effective components and characteristics of family planning (FP) interventions that involve men and boys in low- and middle-income countries and promote use of the resulting evidence among policy makers, practitioners and end users in order to positively impact women’s health. Involvement of international multidisciplinary expert stakeholders was central to the success of the project.
Method: An advisory group of 30+ experts was enlisted to help us strategically design the study and optimise dissemination and use of the INVOLVE_FP evidence synthesis findings. The strategy for engaging stakeholders was informed by guidelines devised by the Centre of Excellence for Development Impact and Learning (CEDIL). It involved context analysis, development of evidence-use objectives, stakeholder mapping, risk analysis and creative facilitation of stakeholder consultation workshops.
Results: The process of engaging stakeholders helped us to develop a testable conceptual model that details how FP interventions might work in various contexts and for different populations. The group also advised on methods of promoting evidence use and uptake, including policy briefs, lay summaries, animated explainer films, and a successful webinar series.
Conclusions: While it can be challenging to combine theory, research evidence and stakeholder design requirements, all three sources of information are valuable and necessary in optimising international evidence-use. The CEDIL evidence-use framework provided useful strategies for involving an expert advisory group in the process.
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 21 Oct 2021
EventFIGO 2021: World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics - Online
Duration: 21 Oct 202128 Oct 2021
https://figo2021.org

Conference

ConferenceFIGO 2021: World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
Period21/10/202128/10/2021
Internet address

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