Evidence Center structural and operational conditions and challenges: a descriptive study, Brazil, 2024

To describe the physical, structural and operational conditions, as well as the main challenges faced by Evidence Centers (NEvs) recognized by the Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet) Brazil.

This is a descriptive cross-sectional observational study, with data collection carried out between November 2024 and January 2025, using an electronic questionnaire developed based on document analysis and previous studies. The data were analyzed descriptively, presenting absolute and relative frequencies of the investigated variables.

Of the 36 Centers recognized by the EVIPNet Brazil Network, 25 participated in the study (return rate of 69.4%). Among the respondents, 72.0% had their own physical space, 88.0% had computers and 92.0% had access to scientific databases. Their most frequent activities included training (96.0%) and production of technical reports (92.0%). The main challenges reported were: scarcity of financial resources, lack of qualified personnel, infrastructure limitations and difficulties in accessing information.

The structural and operational limitations identified highlight the need for strategies to strengthen the sustainability of the NEvs. Investments in capacity building, institutional coordination and regional equity are fundamental to consolidating evidence-informed public policies in Brazil.