How are mathematical models and results from mathematical models of vaccine-preventable diseases used, or not, by global health organisations

Bibliographic Data

ID21878922
AuthorsPaula Christen (0000-0003-4671-3973, Imperial College London, corresponding author), Lesong Conteh (0000-0002-0719-3672, London School of Economics and Political Science)
Year2021
Volume6
Issue9
Pagese006827
Publication date2021-09-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueBMJ Global Health (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2059-7908 • E-ISSN: 2059-7908
PublisherBMJ (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1136/bmjgh-2021-006827
PMID34489331
OpenAlexW3197434441
LanguageEN
Citations received3
References cited52

While epidemiological and economic evidence has the potential to provide answers to questions, guide complex programmes and inform resource allocation decisions, how this evidence is used by global health organisations who commission it and what organisational actions are generated from the evidence remains unclear. This study applies analytical tools from organisational science to understand how evidence produced by infectious disease epidemiologists and health economists is used by global health organisations. A conceptual framework that embraces evidence use typologies and relates findings to the organisational process of action generation informs and structures the research. Between March and September 2020, we conducted in-depth interviews with mathematical modellers (evidence producers) and employees at global health organisations, who are involved in decision-making processes (evidence consumers). We found that commissioned epidemiological and economic evidence is used to track progress and provides a measure of success, both in terms of health outcomes and the organisations’ mission. Global health organisations predominantly use this evidence to demonstrate accountability and solicit funding from external partners. We find common understanding and awareness across consumers and producers about the purposes and uses of these commissioned pieces of work and how they are distinct from more academic explorative research outputs. Conceptual evidence use best describes this process. Evidence is slowly integrated into organisational processes and is one of many influences on global health organisations’ actions. Relationships developed over time and trust guide the process, which may lead to quite a concentrated cluster of those producing and commissioning models. These findings raise several insights relevant to the literature of research utilisation in organisations and evidence-based management. The study extends our understanding of how evidence is used and which organisational actions are generated as a result of commissioning epidemiological and economic evidence

Accountability · Business · Conceptual model · Economic growth · Economics · Global health · Health care · Management science · Political science · Public relations · Computer Science · COVID-19 epidemiological studies · Engineering · Global Public Health Policies and Epidemiology · Viral Infections and Outbreaks Research