Uptake of evidence to policy: The Indigenous Burden of Disease case study

Uptake of evidence to policy: The Indigenous Burden of Disease case study

Using the Indigenous Burden of Disease (BOD) study (Vos, et al. 2009) as an evidence-to-policy case study, this in-kind project explored the ways in which research evidence that has been specifically developed for policy influences policy processes and outcomes.

The objectives of this research were to:

• explore how meaning is constructed from the Indigenous BOD research evidence by different policy stakeholders – researchers, policy decision makers and the members of the communities affected by policy decisions
• compare with current approaches to priority setting for Indigenous health
• map out the implications of these different constructions for the processes of policy agenda setting, development and implementation
• identify ways to enhance the use of research evidence in policy allowing researchers and community health advocates to better understand and engage with policy processes; and
• extend the current theoretical base of health policy analysis.

Given the publication of the BOD study in late 2009, the research provided opportunities for retrospective analysis of perceptions around the commissioning of the research and its value and application in policy. The prospective component will tracked future change, seeking evidence of its policy uptake – either directly in policy or in terms of shaping debate, highlighting new issues and reorienting existing priorities.

Related resoruces:

• CRCAH in-kind project: The burden of disease and injury in Indigenous Australians