Utilizing Causal Loop Diagramming to Explore a Research and Evaluation Capacity Building Partnership

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Systems Research
• Capacity Building

Background:

• Effective public health policy relies on research, evaluation, and evidence-informed decision-making.
• Partnership-based approaches to build system-wide capacity are under-researched.
• Evaluating such partnerships is complex and requires specific methodologies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine the impacts of a research and evaluation capacity building partnership, the Western Australian Sexual Health and Blood-borne Virus Applied Research and Evaluation Network (SiREN).
• To understand how contextual and process factors influence the effectiveness of such partnerships.
• To identify key leverage points for continuous improvement and evaluation of system-level capacity building initiatives.

Main Methods:

• Systems concepts and methods were employed to analyze the SiREN partnership.
• Data collection included organizational documents (n=42), surveys (n=104), and in-depth interviews (n=17).
• Causal loop diagrams were developed using stakeholder input from workshops and meetings to visualize system dynamics.

Main Results:

• Engagement with SiREN was influenced by a complex interplay of contextual factors (e.g., organizational capacity) and process factors (e.g., trusting relationships).
• SiREN facilitated system-level changes, including increased resources for research and evaluation.
• The partnership led to enhanced networks, more efficient responses to emerging health issues, improved evidence sharing, and sustainable research practices.

Conclusions:

• Partnership-based capacity building, like SiREN, can drive significant system-level improvements in public health.
• Understanding the interplay of contextual and process factors is crucial for successful capacity building initiatives.
• Causal loop diagrams are valuable tools for evaluating complex interventions and identifying areas for continuous improvement.