Workshop: Leveraging evidence for policy making: lessons from the European Joint Action on Health Information
Authors:   Organised by: InfAct, Sciensano, Belgian Federal Public Health Institute Chair persons: Claudia Habl - Austria, Herman Van Oyen - Belgium
Published: November 2019

Leveraging evidence to inform best practices in health policy and health care is pivotal for better health outcomes. This has been widely recognized by international organizations such as the World Health Organization, and national health authorities. Health information (data on health and health systems) can be used to inform interventions at national, regional and local level. However, getting evidence into the hands of key stakeholders is still a challenge in many European countries. There are many obstacles, for instance interoperability between data systems is an issue, and the resources allocated for health reporting and monitoring are sometimes insufficient.

There is an uneven evolution of data collection practices across Europe which may imply differences in the capacity to use evidence for policy development. While public health agencies aim to improve health for all, building bridges for better knowledge translation requires tools to pave the way forward. As the nature and volume of data that are generated increases, countries increasingly need frameworks with which to appraise, and apply evidence. This relies on the innovative use of health information in public health and the health policy process, and increased solidarity in data sharing among actors in the health system.

This workshop aims to provide delegates with a clear understanding of the strategies that can support the use of evidence in the European context. Five case examples from the European Joint Action on Health information (InfAct) will be presented. The panelists will provide solutions that support the transfer of knowledge from scientific research, and public health surveillance into policies and innovative programmes.

The objectives are two-fold: 1) to provide delegates with an overview of the accessibility of health information for public health policy in EU-Member States; 2) to present solutions that focus on better data sharing, and new roles for stakeholders working in health and policy.

The workshop will begin with an introduction to the latest developments in health data collection, quality assessment, and on the availability of health information in Europe. Next, strategies to prioritize health information for policy development will be presented. Across countries, there is increasing interest on how to use “real world data” which requires an understanding of the interoperability frameworks available in Europe - this will be the focus of the third and fourth presentations. Finally, a new tool for evaluating the impact of health information developed with input from European experts in 38 countries will be introduced.

The session will have an outcomes-oriented approach. We will build on the opportunity for interactive exchange with the delegates. Dialogue on what can be done, and what is needed to leverage data for action will be transcribed. This will inform a commentary that can later be submitted to the European Journal of Public Health.

Key messages

There are wide differences across Europe in the development of information systems and data reuse. It is crucial to facilitate the use of evidence for policy development and decision-making. The EU-Joint Action InfAct is promoting evidence-informed policy-making by structuring health information exchanges in Europe, and providing tools for a sustainable impact in policy and practice.