Research is not an end in itself. It should be put into practice to improve policies and programs. Indeed, making sure that evidence-based research findings and best practices based on experiential knowledge are incorporated into service delivery has become an imperative in the reproductive health field. In resource-constrained settings, in particular, research and practice should be integrated to ensure greatest return on investment.
To close the gap between research and practice, FHI 360 is committed to a Research to Practice (RtoP) approach that involves:
- strong strategic alliances for global impact
- country and topical utilization strategies
- partnerships with local stakeholders
FHI 360's research to practice efforts include:
Moving Evidence into Action
With a special emphasis on underutilized interventions, the following briefs present evidence on programs that work and provide guidance and resources for replication:
of Practices: Practical Guidance for Improving Reproductive Health and Family Planning Policy and Programming
A large gap still exists between the spheres of research and practice, leading to delays of a decade or longer before widespread use of conclusive evidence. The "Menu of Practices" aims to bridge this gap by ensuring that policy-makers, health practitioners, and other decision-makers are able to quickly and efficiently access, understand, and implement recommendations stemming from new and under-used research findings in reproductive health and family planning. Each of the Menus in this package includes recommendations to improve reproductive health policies and practices, and includes suggested tools and resources to support implementation.
For more information or to request technical assistance, please send us an email.
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Research Utilization Case Studies
These 2-page briefs are meant to capture the unique activities of research utilization. As of August 2008, six are available, with more planned for 2009-2010. |
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Engaging Champions in Public Health Policy, Programming, and Practice
A public health 'champion' (see Engaging Innovative Advocates as Public Health Champions--PDF, 4 pages, 131 KB) is an influential figure who uses his or her expertise and professional contacts to promote the use of evidence-based and best practices and to bridge the gap between research and programs. Engaging such opinion leaders is one approach that can facilitate the speed and ease with which research results are incorporated into public health policy, programs, or clinical practice. This annotated bibliography (PDF, 120 KB) shows the range of literature behind this evidence-based research utilization strategy.
In 2010, with support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, we convened champions from diverse areas of expertise to address the multifaceted role of family planning in meeting the Millennium Development Goals.
Reintroducing the IUD
The intrauterine device (IUD) is an extremely safe, effective, and low-cost contraceptive. Yet many women lack accurate information or access to IUD services. FHI 360 is working with other USAID-funded agencies to improve access to the IUD, and in particular is co-chairing USAID's MAQ IUD Subcommittee. This subcommittee, comprised of representatives from over a dozen organizations, has developed an electronic toolkit that provides comprehensive, standardized, scientifically-accurate, and evidence-based information on the IUD, as well as guidance on best practices and tools to help improve access to and quality of IUD services. We are also working with the Kenya Ministry of Health to coordinate a strategy to reintroduce the Copper T intrauterine device into the Kenya contraceptive method mix. Click here for more information.
Promoting provider checklists
To promote better reproductive health services for women and men, FHI 360 has developed and validated five checklists for health care providers. The checklists are designed to assist health workers in their efforts to help family planning clients make informed choices about safe and effective use of contraception. Click here for more information.
Promoting underused research findings
A description of several FHI 360 research findings that could improve reproductive health services if more widely incorporated into service delivery is available in our Quick Reference Guide for Family Planning Research. Topics of research findings are: preventing mother-to-child transmission of HIV through family planning, integrating HIV voluntary testing and counseling and family planning services, IUDs, emergency contraceptive pills, vasectomy, male condoms, female condoms, Standard Days Method, eligibility screening and provider checklists, community-based services and distribution, youth, implants, contraceptive continuation, male circumcision and HIV, contraceptive counseling and job aids, healthy timing and spacing of pregnancies, and postpartum family planning.
Collaborating with key partners in global health
As part of its efforts to promote evidence-based practice, we participate in the Implementing Best Practices (IBP) and Maximizing Access and Quality (MAQ) Initiatives. In addition, FHI 360 is a regular contributor to the Cochrane Collaboration.
Developing research utilization resources. FHI 360 is collaborating with WHO's Reproductive Health Research division and others to produce a resource document that will facilitate use of research findings.
Contact us
If you or your organization are working in the area of sexual or reproductive health policy, education, training, or service delivery, and you would like more information about incorporating research into your work, please contact the Research to Practice staff.
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