Approaches to developing the capacity of health policy analysis institutes: a comparative case study
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RESEARCH
Open Access
Approaches to developing the capacity of health policy analysis institutes: a comparative case study Sara Bennett1*, Adrijana Corluka1, Jane Doherty3 and Viroj Tangcharoensathien2
Abstract Objectives: To review and assess (i) the factors that facilitate the development of sustainable health policy analysis institutes in low and middle income countries and (ii) the nature of external support for capacity development provided to such institutes. Methods: Comparative case studies of six health policy analysis institutes (3 from Asia and 3 from Africa) were conducted. In each region an NGO institute, an institute linked to government and a university based institute were included. Data collection comprised document review, semi-structured interviews with stakeholders and discussion of preliminary findings with institute staff. Findings: The findings are organized around four key themes: (i) Financial resources: three of the institutes had received substantial external grants at start-up, however two of these institutes subsequently collapsed. At all but one institute, reliance upon short term, donor funding, created high administrative costs and unpredictability. (ii) Human resources: the retention of skilled human resources was perceived to be key to institute success but was problematic at all but one institute. In particular staff often moved to better paid positions elsewhere once having acquired necessary skills and experience, leaving remaining senior staff with heavy workloads. (iii) Governance and management: board structures and roles varied according to the nature of institute ownership. Boards made important contributions to organizational capacity through promoting continuity, independence and fund raising. Routine management systems were typically perceived to be strong. (iv) Networks: linkages to policy makers helped promote policy influences. External networks with other research organizations, particularly where these were longer term institutional collaborations helped promote capacity. Conclusions: The development of strong in-country analytical and research capacity to guide health policy development is critical, yet many health policy analysis institutes remain very fragile. A combination of more strategic planning, active recruitment and retention strategies, and longer term, flexible funding, for example through endowments, needs to be promoted. Specific recommendations to funders and institutes are provided.
Background In-country capacity to direct health spending, guide implementation, and monitor and evaluate progress is critical if recent global investments in health systems and priority health conditions are to reap their full benefits. Such local analytical capacity is more likely to lead to local ownership of findings and the uptake of research evidence in policy decisions, through closer * Correspondence: [email protected] 1 Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, 615 North Wolfe St, Baltimore, USA Full list of author information is available at the end of the arti
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