An evidence-informed policymaking (EIPM) competency profile for the Brazilian Health System developed through...

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Health Policy Analysis
• Organizational Development

Background:

• Evidence-informed policymaking (EIPM) requires specific individual and organizational competencies.
• Developing an EIPM competency profile is crucial for diagnosing, planning, and implementing effective health policies.
• Existing EIPM frameworks need adaptation to diverse healthcare system contexts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To outline the development process and outcomes of a national EIPM competency profile.
• To create a standardized framework for EIPM applicable across the Brazilian Health System.
• To facilitate the integration of scientific evidence into health policy and management.

Main Methods:

• Convened an expert committee comprising researchers, practitioners, managers, and educators.
• Conducted a rapid review of existing EIPM competency profiles.
• Utilized six consensus workshops to define macro problems, key actions, and performances.
• Defined general and specific capacities for the competency profile, categorized by activity areas.

Main Results:

• The EIPM competency profile was informed by macro problems including lack of systematic decision-making, underdeveloped knowledge management, and incipient use of evidence.
• A comprehensive framework of 42 key actions and performances was developed.
• The profile is structured across Health Management, Scientific Research, Civil Society, Knowledge Translation, and Cross-sectional areas.

Conclusions:

• The developed EIPM competency profile serves as a vital tool for institutionalizing evidence-informed policymaking.
• This profile is adaptable for application in various settings within the Brazilian Health System.
• It provides a structured approach to enhance the use of scientific evidence in policy development and implementation.