Macro-level (economic and political)
This level focused on policymakers’ issues that support translating
evidence into practice such as guidelines, partnerships and regulations.
Three reviews reported political challenges as factors impeding
translation of health research evidence into clinical
practice.19,34,35 Policymakers were not trained and
skilled in research methods.19 Policymakers did not
see alignment between research and policy
considerations,35 and remain suspicious about the
utility of research findings.34
Identifying the right stakeholders and developing strong collaboration
and connections between policymakers and research staff were the main
facilitators discussed in two reviews,19,35 These can
be achieved through technology support, such as web-based conferencing
platforms. This technology provides policymakers with updated
information in research and engages them in all research priorities,
which help them to make evidence-based choices.35Other facilitators play a significant role in translating evidence into
practice, such as developing trust across policymakers and
researchers,35 developing guidelines that promote best
practice.34 Important too is early involvement of
stakeholders in the design of research, including involvement from the
point of research initiation of those most likely to be affected by
research output.33