A qualitative study on expert perspective for implementing and utilizing non-communicable diseases research findings

Area of Science:

• Health Policy
• Implementation Science
• Non-communicable Diseases (NCDs) Research

Background:

• Effective decision-making in public health hinges on research findings.
• Accelerating the implementation of health research, particularly for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), is vital for population well-being.
• A robust knowledge and evidence-based decision-making ecosystem is essential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify decision-makers' perspectives in Iran's research system.
• To explore prerequisites, barriers, and facilitators for implementing NCD research findings.
• To inform strategies for enhancing research utilization in public health.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study using purposive sampling with 21 participants.
• Interviews conducted until data saturation.
• Thematic analysis and open coding with MAXQDA software, followed by expert opinion survey.

Main Results:

• Eight main categories and 56 subcategories identified.
• Key requirements include "Scientific leadership" and "Strengthening responsive policies".
• Facilitators encompass "Health information systems," "Organizational mechanisms," "Information facilitation," and "Financial resources." "Political Barriers" and "Organizational challenges" were identified as significant barriers.

Conclusions:

• Overarching policies within the research system need significant attention for effective research implementation.
• Addressing identified challenges is crucial to prevent threats to implementation.
• Findings provide actionable insights for health system managers and policymakers to strengthen problem-oriented research and implementation science in NCDs.