The implementation of large-scale genomic screening or diagnostic programmes: A rapid evidence review

Genomic healthcare programmes, both in a research and clinical context, have demonstrated a pivotal opportunity to prevent, diagnose, and treat rare diseases. However, implementation factors could increase overall costs and affect uptake. As well, uncertainties remain regarding effective training, guidelines and legislation. The purpose of this rapid evidence review was to draw together the available global evidence on the implementation of genomic testing programmes, particularly on population-based screening and diagnostic programmes implemented at the national level, to understand the range of factors influencing implementation. This review involved a search of terms related to genomics, implementation and health care. The search was limited to peer-reviewed articles published between 2017–2022 and found in five databases. The review included thirty articles drawing on sixteen countries. A wide range of factors was cited as critical to the successful implementation of genomics programmes. These included having policy frameworks, regulations, guidelines; clinical decision support tools; access to genetic counselling; and education and training for healthcare staff. The high costs of implementing and integrating genomics into healthcare were also often barriers to stakeholders. National genomics programmes are complex and require the generation of evidence and addressing implementation challenges. The findings from this review highlight that there is a strong emphasis on addressing genomic education and engagement among varied stakeholders, including the general public, policymakers, and governments. Articles also emphasised the development of appropriate policies and regulatory frameworks to govern genomic healthcare, with a focus on legislation that regulates the collection, storage, and sharing of personal genomic data

Mental health services implementation in Colombia – a systematic review

Background and aim: Mental health services in Colombia have had a complex history shaped by 50 of years armed conflict, disproportionate clinical approach and social factors such as stigma. Nevertheless, recent global tendencies and interventions have suggested basing mental health services on communities and the recovery approach and considering the social determinants of mental health during planning. Colombia has involved these approaches in its legal and practical framework in recent years, but multiple internal and external factors have retarded an accurate implementation. This systematic review aims to contribute to mental health services understanding in Colombia, offering an implementation research approach. Methods: A comprehensive strategy search was developed to include peer-reviewed studies where mental health services were mentioned or described. The review was conducted in five databases (Medline (OVID), PubMed, Scopus, Scielo and BVS), three languages (English, Spanish & Portuguese) and was limited to the last ten years. Moreover, it followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to identify barriers and facilitators during the implementation of mental health services. Results: Twelve articles were selected. The principal reported barriers were lack of coordination, workloads, and funding. Implementation differences between public and private settings were significant and repeatedly reported. On the other hand, good planning strategies and the involvement of communities, stakeholders, users, and external champions facilitated implementation. Remarkable efforts to adopt community-based mental health services were described as well. Conclusions: Overall, this review offers significant insight into current mental health services, their implementation status, and principal barriers to effective implementation. It is suggested to continue applying community and recovery approaches in mental health services, but also to improve coordination between all actors (e.g., public and private organisations, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and users and their families)

Activities used by evidence networks to promote evidence-informed decision-making in the health sector– a rapid evidence review

Abstract Background Evidence networks facilitate the exchange of information and foster international relationships among researchers and stakeholders. These networks are instrumental in enabling the integration of scientific evidence into decision-making processes. While there is a global emphasis on evidence-based decision-making at policy and organisational levels, there exists a significant gap in our understanding of the most effective activities to exchange scientific knowledge and use it in practice. The objective of this rapid review was to explore the strategies employed by evidence networks to facilitate the translation of evidence into decision-making processes. This review makes a contribution to global health policymaking by mapping the landscape of knowledge translation in this context and identifying the evidence translation activities that evidence networks have found effective. Methods The review was guided by standardised techniques for conducting rapid evidence reviews. Document searching was based on a phased approach, commencing with a comprehensive initial search strategy and progressively refining it with each subsequent search iterations. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) statement was followed. Results The review identified 143 articles, after screening 1135 articles. Out of these, 35 articles were included in the review. The studies encompassed a diverse range of countries, with the majority originating from the United States (n = 14), followed by Canada (n = 5), Sweden (n = 2), and various other single locations (n = 14). These studies presented a varied set of implementation strategies such as research-related activities, the creation of teams/task forces/partnerships, meetings/consultations, mobilising/working with communities, influencing policy, activity evaluation, training, trust-building, and regular meetings, as well as community-academic-policymaker engagement. Conclusions Evidence networks play a crucial role in developing, sharing, and implementing high-quality research for policy. These networks face challenges like coordinating diverse stakeholders, international collaboration, language barriers, research consistency, knowledge dissemination, capacity building, evaluation, and funding. To enhance their impact, sharing network efforts with wider audiences, including local, national, and international agencies, is essential for evidence-based decision-making to shape evidence-informed policies and programmes effectively

Additional file 1 of Activities used by evidence networks to promote evidence-informed decision-making in the health sector– a rapid evidence review

Supplementary material 1