The Evidence to Policy and Impact Unit of the Research for Health Department in the Science Division, in collaboration with the Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet), has developed the repository of tools to support its EIDM capacity-sharing work. The repository complements the WHO evidence ecosystem framework published last year in Evidence, policy, impact. WHO guide for evidence-informed decision-making, specifically focusing on the policy/action cycle. The policy/action cycle outlines the evidence application process within the EIDM workstream, beginning with identifying high-priority issues, and designing, disseminating, and implementing solutions to address these priorities. It also involves evaluating, adjusting, and sustaining any achieved changes to ultimately enhance global health and equity.
The easy-to-navigate online platform enables users to search and access EIDM methods and tools corresponding to each step of the policy/action cycle. In addition to searching across the cycle, users can refine their searches using advanced functionalities to filter by document type, language, and publication date. The platform offers tools that span the clinical (or practice), public health, and health system domains.
The repository actively houses and maintains 75 tools and is continuously being updated as new tools emerge. The Evidence to Policy and Impact Unit will be actively adding more tools to the repository, employing a scoping literature review and other steps. EVIPNet and the Evidence to Policy and Impact Unit will integrate the online repository of EIDM tools into their other capacity-sharing activities.
EIDM and the work of EVIPNet aim to support WHO staff and Member States in applying rigorous, systematic, and transparent methods for the creation and application of research evidence in their day-to-day work. In doing so, we will be better equipped as an Organization to succeed in the commitment outlined in the General Programme of Work (GPW) 13 to turn the knowledge that WHO produces into action to deliver the “Triple Billion” targets: a billion more people with universal health coverage (UHC), a billion more people protected from health emergencies, and a billion more people with better health and well-being.
