Engaging policy-makers, heath system managers, and policy analysts in the knowledge synthesis process: A scoping review

Abstract

Background: It is unclear how to engage a wide range of knowledge users in research. We aimed to map the evidence on engaging knowledge users with an emphasis on policy-makers, health system managers, and policy analysts in the knowledge synthesis process through a scoping review. Methods: We used the Joanna Briggs Institute guidance for scoping reviews. Nine electronic databases (e.g., MEDLINE), two grey literature sources (e.g., OpenSIGLE), and reference lists of relevant systematic reviews were searched from 1996 to August 2016. We included any type ofstudy describing strategies, barriers and facilitators, or assessing the impactofengaging policy-makers, health system managers, and policy analysts in the knowledge synthesis process. Screening and data abstraction were conducted by two reviewers independently with a third reviewer resolving discrepancies. Frequency and thematic analyses were conducted. Results: After screening 8395 titles and abstracts followed by 394 full-texts, 84 unique documents and 7 companion reports fulfilled our eligibility criteria. All 84 documents were published in the last 10years, and half were prepared in North America. The most common type of knowledge synthesis with knowledgeuser engagement was a systematic review (36%). The knowledge synthesismost commonly addressed an issue at the level of national healthcare system (48%) and focused on health services delivery (17%) in high-income countries (86%). Policy-makers were the most common (64%) knowledge users, followed by healthcare professionals (49%) and government agencies as well as patients and caregivers (34%). Knowledge users were engaged in conceptualization and design (49%), literaturesearch and data collection (52%), data synthesis and interpretation (71%), and knowledge dissemination and application (44%). Knowledge users were most commonly engaged as key informants through meetings and workshops as well as surveys, focus groups, and interviews either in-person or by telephone and emails. Knowledgeuser content expertise/awareness was a common facilitator (18%), while lack of time or opportunity to participate was a common barrier (12%). Conclusions: Knowledge users were most commonly engaged during the data synthesis and interpretation phases of theknowledge synthesis conduct. Researchers should document and evaluate knowledgeuser engagement in knowledge synthesis. Registration details: Open Science Framework ( https://osf.io/4dy53/ ).