Knowledge synthesis and exchange and implementation research
In 2009, the Department of Reproductive Health and Research established two cross-cutting working groups on "Knowledge Synthesis and Exchange" and "Implementation Research". In 2010, owing to the intrinsic closeness of the objectives of the two groups, they were merged into a single entity.
With the overall aim of assisting WHO Member States in implementing best practices in a sustainable manner, the Department has adopted a knowledge-to-action framework as the conceptual basis for fostering integration and coalescence of several of the Department's activities. In addition, a comprehensive approach to knowledge creation and application in maternal and perinatal health has been developed. This approach, named "Guideline development, Research priorities, Evidence synthesis, Applicability of evidence, Transfer of knowledge" (G.R.E.A.T. project), reflects the dynamic relationship between the various components of the above-mentioned framework.
The G.R.E.A.T. Project
Policies, programmes and practices in global health care need to be based on the best available scientific evidence. However, in practice it has been difficult to get evidence-based knowledge implemented in all settings, and there remain large gaps in knowledge on how to overcome this problem. In this context, lack of success with implementation of available knowledge has been recognized as a key impediment to the achievement of internationally-set targets in maternal and perinatal health. To tackle this problem, the Department has developed this new approach, which includes identification of priority problems, guidelines development and implementation activities.
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