Health Resources

Background: Good decision-making requires gathering and using sufficient information. Several knowledge translation platforms have been introduced in Burkina Faso to support evidence-informed decision-making. One of these is the rapid response service for health. This platform aims to provide quick access for policy-makers in Burkina Faso to high-quality research evidence about health systems. The purpose of this study is to describe the process and extent of the institutionalization of the rapid response service. Methods: A qualitative case study design was used, drawing on interviews with policy-makers, together with documentary analysis. Previously used institutionalization frameworks were combined to guide the analysis. Results: Burkina Faso's rapid response service has largely reached the consolidation phase of the institutionalization process but not yet the final phase of maturity. The impetus for the project came from designated project leaders, who convinced policy-makers of the importance of the rapid response service, and obtained resources to run a pilot. During the expansion stage, additional policy-makers at national and sub-national levels began to use the service. Unit staff also tried to improve the way it was delivered, based on lessons learned during the pilot stage. The service has, however, stagnated at the consolidation stage, and not moved into the final phase of maturity. Conclusion: The institutionalization process for the rapid response service in Burkina Faso has been fluid rather than linear, with some areas developing faster than others. The service has reached the consolidation stage, but now requires additional efforts to reach maturity. Implications for policy makers • The rapid response service has emerged as a streamlined approach to supporting urgent decision-making by policy-makers, enabling evidence to be synthesized in a timely manner. • Institutionalization of a service like this requires a stable environment, a mandate from the government, and sufficient financial and human resources. • Having a state budget line for a service will guarantee resource availability. • The institutionalization of a service like this does not necessarily follow a linear process, and those responsible should be prepared for this. • Even after a service has reached the consolidation stage, additional efforts may be required to help it reach maturity. Implications for the public The rapid response service is a small unit within Burkina Faso's health ministry, synthesizing evidence in a timely manner to support urgent decision-making by policy-makers. It is hoped that this will result in policies that are informed by evidence, and therefore more likely to be cost-effective, and not waste taxpayers' money. A more efficient policy-making process (with less time spent debating or trying things that are not supported by evidence) is also better value for taxpayers. This paper explains the process of establishing and building up such a unit, and how this can be supported to make it more likely to succeed. It is hoped that it will therefore be useful in supporting the setting up of future units in other policy areas or elsewhere in the world. This should enable a more rapid return on investment and secure foundation for these units.

Objective: To evaluate online depression self-management (SM) resources based on their readability, suitability, and quality to determine their appropriateness for use by patients. Methods: A Google search using patients' most frequently searched terms was conducted. Resources were evaluated using readability indices, the Suitability Assessment of Materials (SAM), and the DISCERN tool. The number of SM skills and other contributing factors (e.g., resource format) were also evaluated. Results: The mean readability score across the sample was grade 10 (SD 1.5, range 8-14) and 22.2% of resources (n = 6) met the criteria for superior suitability. The mean sample scores were 58.8% (SD 11.6, range 36%-81%) for the DISCERN and 4.4 for SM skills (SD 1.6, range 2-8). SAM and DISCERN scores were found to be significantly correlated (Pearson correlation-coefficient 0.70). A cluster analysis of SAM and DISCERN scores suggested two groups that were significantly different (t-test, P < 0.001): 8 resources in a "high quality" cluster and 19 resources in a "medium/low" quality cluster. Conclusion: Eight publicly available online resources scored highly. However, the readability of all the resources evaluated exceeded recommended levels. Practice implications: Resources that are accessible to people with lower literacy levels and increased user-friendliness are needed.