Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026
05:10
Drug Repurposing Hypothesis Generation Using the "RE:fine Drugs" System
Published on: December 11, 2016
How do drug policy makers access research evidence?
1Drug Policy Modelling Program, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney 2052, Australia. Alison.ritter@unsw.edu.au
The International Journal on Drug Policy
|January 30, 2008
Summary
Australian drug policy makers frequently use expert advice and technical reports for decision-making. Researchers should align their evidence with accessible formats to enhance policy impact.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy
- Evidence-Based Policy
Background:
- Policy decisions are influenced by various factors beyond research evidence.
- Understanding how policymakers access research is crucial for increasing its utilization.
- This study investigated evidence sources used by Australian drug policy makers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify the research evidence sources accessed by Australian government drug policy makers.
- To understand the practicalities of evidence utilization in drug policy.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative interviews were conducted with 31 drug policy makers.
- Participants reported on evidence sources used for their most recent policy decisions.
Main Results:
- Nine distinct sources of research evidence were identified.
- Seeking expert advice and consulting technical reports were the most common sources.
- Internet searches, statistical data, and inter-jurisdictional consultations were moderately used; academic literature was least used.
Conclusions:
- A mismatch exists between accessible, simple information preferred by policymakers and the complex, nuanced research often produced by academics.
- Researchers must adapt their communication strategies and consider policymakers' preferred evidence sources to improve research uptake.
- Bridging this gap can enhance the role of research evidence in drug policy formulation.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Drug Discovery: Overview
Drug discovery is a multifaceted process involving extensive screening, testing, and optimization of lead compounds to identify potential new drugs for therapeutic use. It combines several approaches, including screening large numbers of natural products, chemical modification of known active molecules, identification of new drug targets, and rational design based on biological mechanisms and drug-receptor structure. These approaches are carried out in both academic research laboratories and...
01:25Drug Regulation
Drug regulation encompasses the management of drug usage by evaluating its safety and efficacy through assessments conducted by regulatory authorities. Regrettably, the history of drug regulation is marred by several catastrophic events. One such incident is the Elixir Sulfanilamide tragedy, in which the toxic compound diethyl glycol was included in a sweet-tasting medication, leading to numerous fatalities. This event prompted the enactment of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938. Under...
01:19Pharmacovigilance
Post-marketing surveillance is a critical component of pharmaceutical regulation, often uncovering unanticipated adverse drug reactions (ADRs) once a drug is widely used over an extended period.
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
This process, termed pharmacovigilance, aims to detect, evaluate, and minimize harmful effects related to medication use. The data collection for pharmacovigilance depends on spontaneous reporting systems, where healthcare professionals or patients voluntarily report suspected ADRs.
In some cases, there...
01:02Prescription, Nonprescription and Orphan Drugs
Prescription drugs require a prescription from a medical practitioner and can only be obtained from a pharmacy. They have many applications, including treating pain, anxiety, and hypertension.
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
The misuse and addiction to prescription drugs is a growing problem that can affect people of all age groups, specifically teenagers. This can happen when prescription medications are used in ways not intended by the prescriber, such as taking someone else's prescription or using medication for...
01:12Analysis of Population Pharmacokinetic Data
Analysis of population pharmacokinetic data involves studying the behavior of drugs within diverse populations to understand their pharmacokinetic parameters. Traditional pharmacokinetic methods typically involve collecting samples from a few individuals and estimating these parameters. While these methods are commonly used, they have limitations in capturing the variability in drug response among individuals or heterogeneous populations. Population pharmacokinetics is employed to address these...
01:03Drug Control Governance: Regulatory Bodies and Their Impact
Drug control governance involves the oversight and regulation of pharmaceuticals to ensure their safety and efficacy while preventing illegal drug use and trafficking. Regulatory bodies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Union's European Medicines Agency (EMA), play a central role in this process. These agencies evaluate the safety and efficacy of drugs before they can be marketed. They fund clinical trials and assess the benefits and risks associated with a...