Optimising the translation of research into practice and policy through the adoption of living evidence methods

Abstract

The aim of this PhD is to explore and develop methods that optimise the translation of research into practice and policy through the adoption of living evidence methods. It focuses on living evidence reviews and living clinical practice guidelines, where living involves rigorous methods for keeping these continually up to date. This project will advance more timely translation of evidence into practice by investigating barriers, potential solutions, and providing guidance on how evidence reviews and clinical practice guidelines can adopt living evidence methods. The thesis starts by exploring the current methods, processes, barriers, and enablers for updating clinical practice guidelines and using living evidence methods. Based on these results it then goes on to explore experiences of collaboration in developing living guidelines and guidance for how to do this successfully. It then looks at collaboration and living evidence across the evidence ecosystem, from priority setting to reporting research recommendations in living guidelines. Finally, the thesis explores what other types of healthcare guidance and policy could benefit from living methods, providing opinion on living health technology assessment, discussion of the findings, implications, and directions for future research.