Research units A-Z

Workstrand 2 brings together information, particularly findings from completed research studies, so that we can explore and understand what we already know about the policy areas in which SIPHER is seeking system change.

By assessing how we can use evidence from existing research studies we inform SIPHER’s complex systems models. SIPHER uses the information from Workstrand 2 to inform the types of data used, the way we develop our models, and the decision tools that we create.

The practice of using research evidence to help understand problems and to guide decisions about policy is well-established.

It is important that the procedures used to bring together and review research evidence are systematic and transparent. This ensures that considered and defendable judgments are made when selecting the most relevant and robust evidence to use in SIPHER models. It also ensures that other people can understand how we interpreted existing research evidence and applied it to the policy problems of interest.

Identifing a range of research studies from digital repositories and databases Workstand 2 uses established procedures to consider which studies were both relevant to the policy questions, and have been carried out to a high standard. Once the most important information from the selected studies is extracted and analysed, it is collated into an overview of the existing evidence base.

The policy problems that SIPHER is working on are, however,  complex. They reflect the many factors and circumstances that interact to affect daily lives. This makes it unlikely that single research studies will addresses this level of complexity.

For this reason, Workstand 2 breaks down some of the complexity into different smaller questions and seeks research studies that provide this information. The evidence found is then brought together to help decide how the SIPHER models can best represent and analyse the complex policy problems.

Evidence of what happened when policy makers have tried to intervene in policy systems in the past is also souight. Workstrand 2’s focus on learning from prior research complements the information provided by our wider team of policy partners and topic experts, and the information that comes from large datasets in other SIPHER workstrands.

Workstrand 2 researchers work with policy colleagues who plan and implement the types of policies that SIPHER is exploring so that we can reflect on the methods and procedures we adopt.

Systematic review methods are thorough but they are also quite time consuming. It is important that the process of consulting useful research evidence does not delay the policy-making process itself. It is therefore also important to find ways of accessing research evidence so that it becomes an integral part of the information policy makers use in their everyday work.

Our reflections consider what skills policy makers may want to acquire to assess the usefulness of research evidence. It is also important that evidence synthesis processes and outputs efficient and where possible adapted to fit the workflow of policy partners.

As part of this we are exploring new computerised, automated techniques such as text mining, natural language processing, and machine learning. These techniques can process, organise and manage very large collections of text much more quickly and efficiently than humans. They can also identify patterns and common themes and ideas in text, which is helpful when trying to make sense of complex problems.

Workstrand 2 is ensuring that all SIPHER workstrands have access to and can use important, relevant research that already exists. This is helpful and complements the experience and knowledge of our SIPHER policy partners.

Working within the topics of inclusive economies, housing and public mental health, Workstrand 2 is practicing, adapting and refining methods for using research evidence in policy decision-making.

We are developing a standard approach to capturing and making sense of research evidence in a way that can be integrated in decision support tools and the working practices of policy makers who are making important decisions about how all aspects of life impact on our health and wellbeing.