Network: Research to Practice

This issue of Family Health International (FHI)'s quarterly Network bulletin explores the way in which research findings are adopted and implemented "to improve health service delivery, policies, and practices."

The first section of the publication discusses how quality research, sound evidence of effectiveness, and best practices are identified. A second section provides case studies demonstrating the "Pivotal Points of Change" that led to research-based changes in health practice. Examples from Mali, Uganda, Thailand, and Turkey demonstrate how both quality and dissemination/communication of research can impact adoption in practice. The issue also highlights a pilot initiative by the Kenya Ministry of Health and its partner organisations aimed at increasing acceptance of, and access to, intrauterine devices (IUDs). The authors describe how a combination of research, education, and training have been used to overcome the barriers to expanding the use of IUDs.

Contents:

• Introduction: Moving Research into Practice
  • Identifying Worthy Medical Research
  • Quality of Evidence and Effectiveness
  • How Are 'Best Practices' Identified and Adopted?
• Pivotal Points of Change
  • Nevirapine Results Quickly Put into Practice
  • Community-Based Distribution Project Expands beyond Mali
  • IUD Insertion by Nurse-Midwives Increases Use
  • A Single-Visit Approach for Cervical Cancer Prevention.
• 'Rehabilitating' the IUD
  • Professional Associations Are Vital Partners
  • Good Training Gives Providers Confidence to Insert IUDs
• Research Involving FHI Collaboration Produces Change
• Is Your Research Improving Health Services?
• YouthLens: Research That Guides Reproductive Health Efforts for Youth