6th UK and Ireland Implementation Science Research Conference 2023
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PRESENter
Bartosz Helfer
presenter biography
Bart holds the role of Director at the Meta-Research Centre within the University of Wroclaw in Poland. His academic journey is rooted in evidence-based medicine, which he pursued at the Technical University in Munich, Germany, and King’s College London, UK. Further honing his expertise, he engaged in post-doctoral work at Imperial College London, UK.
Bart specializes in evidence synthesis and meta-research. His work primarily revolves around critically examining research methods and practices, aiming to discern how biases in science can be mitigated to ensure that the conclusions drawn from research studies are both reliable and valid.
One of Bart’s core areas of interest is the examination of clinical trials. He is inquisitive about the degree of trust that can be placed in their findings. Moreover, he is actively engaged in identifying aspects of the research process that could be enhanced to boost the overall value of the outcomes, and in doing so, effectively curtail the unnecessary expenditure of time and resources.
background
There is an ongoing debate regarding safety, quality, and marketing of infant formula products with many authors calling for a new improved regulatory framework. Health policy plays a key role in the development, dissemination, and implementation of evidence-based practices to address these concerns. This analysis aimed to examine the health policy role in the dissemination and implementation strategy regarding improved regulation of infant formula, using Crable et al.’s [1] recommendations as a guide.
MEthod
A health policy analysis was conducted to identify the key dimensions of the policy’s function and form, examine the nonlinear phases of policy dissemination and implementation, describe the temporal roles of stakeholders, consider policy-relevant outer and inner context adaptations, and identify bridging factors necessary for policy success. The analysis included a review of relevant literature, stakeholder views, and an assessment of existing regulatory frameworks.
results
There is a clear need to strengthen the evidence base for infant formula regulation, enhance transparency in policy development, develop new evidence-based guidelines, establish robust monitoring and enforcement systems, promote public awareness, and facilitate international collaboration. Stakeholders, including healthcare professionals, researchers, manufacturers, consumer advocates, and caregivers should work together to help develop a successful dissemination and implementation strategy for health policy.
Conclusion
A comprehensive and evidence-based health policy approach is necessary to fully address the current controversy regarding regulation of infant formula. By applying Crable et al.’s [1] recommendations, health policies can be more effectively disseminated and implemented to ensure better safety, quality, and appropriate marketing of infant formula products. This approach will ultimately contribute to better infant nutrition and public health outcomes.
References
1. Crable EL, Lengnick-Hall R, Stadnick NA, Moullin JC, Aarons GA. Where is “policy” in dissemination and implementation science? Recommendations to advance theories, models, and frameworks: EPIS as a case example. Implementation Science. 2022 Dec 12;17(1):80.