Experiential knowledge that has been gained through practice and synthesized in ways that can guide practice and policy-making. These sources provide evidence based on an examination of past activities. In addition, trends can be analyzed to identify emerging issues and visioning can be done to create preferred scenarios for the future. The decision-making process must be made explicit. It must draw upon a broad base of evidence, involve all the key stakeholders, clarify who exercises the final decision-making authority and be supported by effective technological support systems.
Information technologies are increasingly available to assist with decision-making processes.
Technologies can help gather and synthesize information, conduct stakeholder consultations and perform meta-analysis across studies to help us reach key conclusions. Such decision support systems, in conjunction with explicit assumptions underpinning the decision-making process will help us reach the best possible decisions as to what to act on, how to act and with whom. It is the role of health organizations to analyze the full range of possibilities for action, to act on those determinants that are within their jurisdiction and to influence other sectors to ensure their policies and programs have a positive impact on health. This can best be achieved by facilitating collaboration among stakeholders regarding the most appropriate activities to be undertaken by each. Multiple points of entry to planning and implementation are essential as demonstrated by the examples in the following section.