A New Framework for Evidence-Informed Policies

by Jon Scaccia February 11, 2025

Imagine a world where every public health decision is backed by clear evidence, free of undue influence, and responsive to the needs of diverse communities. Now imagine this transparency fostering trust, ensuring fairness, and leading to better health outcomes for all. A new integrated framework for evidence-informed policymaking promises to turn this vision into reality.

The Need for Evidence-Informed Policymaking

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the necessity—and challenges—of evidence-based decision-making. Globally, governments faced scrutiny over the transparency of their decisions and their adherence to available research. In some cases, lack of action based on evidence led to lawsuits and public outcry. These experiences have spurred a renewed focus on creating systems that enable policymakers to use evidence effectively, even under pressure.

Research shows that evidence-informed policies not only improve health outcomes but also ensure more efficient use of resources. Yet, the reality of policymaking is complex. Political interests, structural barriers, and conflicting stakeholder priorities often overshadow the technical rigor of evidence-based approaches. This gap is what the integrated framework aims to bridge.

Introducing the Integrated Framework for Evidence-Informed Policymaking

Building on established evidence-to-decision frameworks used in clinical and health technology settings, this new model incorporates political, institutional, and stakeholder dynamics into the decision-making process. Its goal is to help policymakers make decisions that are not only effective but also transparent, legitimate, and fair.

The framework emphasizes nine key criteria for decision-making:

• Problem Priority: Assessing the magnitude and causes of the health issue.
• Benefits and Harms: Balancing positive outcomes against potential risks.
• Cost and Cost-Effectiveness: Ensuring efficient use of resources.
• Equity Impact: Addressing disparities and promoting fairness.
• Stakeholder Acceptability: Considering the views of affected groups, from the public to policymakers.
• Feasibility: Evaluating how practical the policy is in the local context.
• Certainty of Evidence: Assessing the reliability of available data.
• Conflict of Interest Management: Excluding stakeholders with vested interests.
• Transparency: Clearly documenting the process, criteria, and evidence used.

Why This Framework Matters

The integrated framework does more than list decision criteria—it also introduces processes to ensure accountability and fairness. For example, it:

• Separates Stakeholder Groups: This avoids dominance by vested interests, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered.
• Emphasizes Deliberative Processes: Policymakers engage in structured discussions that weigh pros and cons, fostering collective decision-making.
• Highlights Local Contexts: By incorporating feasibility and transferability of global evidence, policies become tailored to specific community needs.

These elements are critical in a world where policymaking is often influenced by powerful interest groups, making transparency and public trust harder to achieve.

From Theory to Practice: Real-World Applications

This framework is not just theoretical—it’s designed for action. Governments can use it to guide the development of health policies ranging from pandemic preparedness to chronic disease prevention. For example:

• In Chile, the Ministry of Health institutionalized evidence-informed decision-making by creating a dedicated health technology assessment department.
• Brazil integrated the framework into its national health strategy, embedding evidence-informed policymaking into routine government operations.

These examples demonstrate how formalizing the use of such frameworks can lead to systemic improvements in public health decision-making.

Challenges and Opportunities Ahead

Despite its promise, implementing the framework requires overcoming significant barriers:

• Capacity Building: Policymakers need training to understand and apply evidence effectively.
• Political Will: Adoption depends on governments prioritizing transparency and accountability.
• Resource Allocation: Sustained funding is necessary to institutionalize evidence-informed processes.

However, the payoff is clear: a decision-making system that earns public trust, responds to real-world challenges, and improves health outcomes for all.

What’s Next for Evidence-Informed Policymaking?

To move forward, governments and organizations must commit to institutionalizing these practices. This includes integrating the framework into legislation, allocating resources for its implementation, and fostering a culture of evidence use at all levels of decision-making. Policymakers are also encouraged to test the framework in diverse settings to refine its effectiveness.

Researchers and public health practitioners play a vital role in this process. By engaging with policymakers, providing accessible evidence, and advocating for transparency, they can help bridge the gap between research and practice.

Join the Conversation

What do you think about this integrated framework? Could it address some of the challenges you’ve faced in public health decision-making? How might it be applied in your community or organization?

We’d love to hear your thoughts:

1. What challenges have you encountered when trying to use evidence in policymaking?
2. How can stakeholders balance transparency with the need for swift decision-making during emergencies?
3. What would it take to build public trust in evidence-informed policymaking in your region?

Share your ideas in the comments below or join the discussion on social media. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable future.

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