Abstract
There was widespread consensus at the Pathways between research, policy and practice workshop that Aotearoa New Zealand needs more transparent and system-embedded processes in order to develop evidence-based health policy and healthcare delivery.
It was felt that these should involve Ministers, policy analysts, communities, health providers and researchers in cyclical processes of considering community needs, establishing health priorities, identifying evidence gaps, commissioning research, translating evidence into policy and practice, and evaluating progress. To be effective, these structures must have the ability to make both proactive and reactive recommendations that are considered by policymakers and resourced appropriately.
Six key elements were identified by workshop attendees as crucial for establishing effective, equitable and enduring pathways between research, policy and practice. These elements address the need for improved data infrastructure, with reliable and accessible sources of information being key to this process. Clear mechanisms for prioritising evidence, evaluating economic benefit and funding implementation are required. Communication between all the groups with expertise to contribute to this process, including those with lived experience, needs to be established and maintained through inclusive networks.
In addition, underpinning these elements five guiding principles were identified, which place a central focus on: whiwhika ōrite (equity); whakawhanaukataka (the process of establishing relationships) manaakitaka (respect, generosity and care for others); taunakitaka (evidence); and pūataata (transparency).
The overarching and guiding principle is honouring and enacting Treaty of Waitangi commitments, which is an essential requirement for an equitable health system in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Workshop participants felt that implementing these elements, guided by the principles, will help build the necessary processes and foster the collaboration required to ensure that the best research is utilised to its fullest potential for the health of Aotearoa New Zealand.