Measuring resilience is not enough; we must apply the research. Researchers and practitioners need a common language to make this happen.

Abstract

This article is contributed by a practitioner in the area of country-level health systems strengthening who also has a background in resilience research. The intent of the article is to offer constructive reflection on the disconnect between the insights of resilience research and the application of those insights through development assistance. The primary reason for the existence of this communication block is that resilience research findings are not often translated in a format that is useful to those implementing resilience promotion projects. As a result, implementers do not usually review relevant research to guide their interventions. Resilience researchers and practitioners need a common language, one that arises from effective community engagement.