HRB open research最新文献

{"title":"Economic evaluations  of strategies targeting pre-diagnosis dementia  populations: Protocol for a systematic review.","authors":"Men Thi Hoang, Alina Zenker, Sanjib Saha, Ulf-Göran Gerdtham, Dominic Trepel","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14064.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14064.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Dementia remains incurable, and treatment trials are typically conducted after the symptoms manifest, potentially too late in the disease process to alter its course. Thus, it is essential to identify and implement cost-effective strategies targeting individuals who have not yet been formally diagnosed with dementia. This review aims to scrutinise emerging evidence and present a comprehensive summary of cost-effectiveness estimates of all strategies targeting the pre-diagnosis dementia populations.</p><p><strong>Method and analysis: </strong>A systematic search will be conducted across six electronic databases. All articles will be assessed against pre-defined eligibility criteria through title and abstract screening, and full-text screening phases. Data from the included articles will be extracted using a standardized template. A newly established framework based on the CHEERS 2022 checklist will be applied to assess the reporting quality of the included articles. The entire review process, from screening to data extraction and quality assessment, will be a dual process conducted by two reviewers. Disagreements will be resolved by a third senior reviewer. The extracted data will be synthesised and presented in tables and figures.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This systematic review will present evidence of cost-effectiveness, along with the strengths and limitations of the existing literature. These findings aim to identify existing gaps, thereby informing and guiding the design of future studies in this domain.</p><p><strong>Ethics and dissemination: </strong>Since this is a systematic review protocol, ethical approval is not required. The results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal, with both raw and summarised data shared through the journal or other open platforms.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>PROSPERO - CRD42024521521.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"11"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11950719/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143756368","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Diet quality in cystic fibrosis - associations with patient reported outcome measures and enablers and barriers to eating a healthy diet: A protocol paper for a mixed methods study.","authors":"Cian Greaney, Katie Bohan, Sarah Tecklenborg, Brian Casserly, James Green, Pepijn Van de Ven, Katie Robinson, Audrey Tierney","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.13533.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.13533.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>People living with cystic fibrosis (PwCF) have increased energy requirements. However, in recent years concerns have emerged regarding the 'cystic fibrosis (CF) diet' in terms of reliance on energy-dense, nutrient poor foods, which tend to be higher in saturated fat, sugar, and salt. These foods lack essential nutrients and are aetiologically linked with diet-related chronic diseases. The aim is to explore habitual dietary intakes in PwCF and <i>(i)</i> assess adherence to CF dietary guidelines and population specific healthy eating guidelines; <i>(ii)</i> derive a diet quality score and the inflammatory potential for the average diet consumed by PwCF and assess associations with patient reported outcome measures; <i>(iii)</i> assess drivers for current consumption patterns and enablers and barriers to eating a healthy diet.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The aim is to recruit between 70-100 PwCF. A mixed methods study will be performed. Using three-day food diaries and food frequency questionnaires, aims <i>(i)</i> and <i>(ii)</i> will be addressed. The Diet Quality Index -International and Healthy Eating Index-2020 (HEI-2020) will derive diet quality scores. The Dietary Inflammatory Index (DII®) will ascertain inflammatory potential of the diet. Validated questionnaires will be used to report health related quality of life measures. Online focus groups and semi-structured interview with PwCF will address aim <i>(iii)</i>.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>It is timely to revise dietary priorities and targets for CF. However, a greater understanding of what adults with CF currently consume and what they require in terms of nutrition and dietary guidance into the future is needed. In doing so, this research will help to clarify nutrition priorities and simplify the dietary aspects of CF treatment, thereby supporting adherence.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":" ","pages":"33"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9428499/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"33460148","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"GP referrals for suspected cancer in Ireland: protocol for a cross-sectional study (GRACCHUS).","authors":"Katie Killeen, Sean O'Regan, Conor F Murphy, Benjamin Jacob, Yiren Yin, Heather Burns, Kathleen Bennett, Patrick Redmond","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14109.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14109.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Cancer is a leading cause of mortality in Ireland, accounting for approximately 30% of deaths annually. Early diagnosis improves survival, reduces treatment burden, and enhances patient outcomes. Rapid Access Clinics (RACs) were introduced to facilitate expedited diagnosis of suspected lung, prostate, and breast cancers, as well as malignant melanoma. However, the extent to which Irish general practitioners (GPs) utilise RAC pathways, and the subsequent diagnostic outcomes, remain poorly understood.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective repeated cross-sectional study will analyse electronic health records from Irish general practices (2013-2024). Phase 1 will assess trends in RAC referrals, including volume, cancer type, and inter-practice variation, alongside demographic, geographic, and clinical factors influencing referral rates. Phase 2 will evaluate cancer conversion rates, time to diagnosis, stage at diagnosis, treatment received, and cancer-specific mortality. Data collection will use a validated extraction tool, and analysis will follow STROBE guidelines for observational studies.</p><p><strong>Expected outcomes: </strong>This study will quantify RAC referral patterns and identify factors influencing variability in GP referral behaviour. It will also assess diagnostic yield and cancer outcomes associated with RAC referrals. Findings will inform quality improvement initiatives and policy development to optimise cancer diagnostic pathways in Ireland.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"52"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-08-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12398676/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Co-designing a recruitment strategy for lung cancer screening in high-risk individuals: protocol for a mixed-methods study.","authors":"Brona Mulligan, Maeve Reilly, Ahmeda Ali, Conor Murphy, Sam McGlynn, Mohammed Alam, Frank Doyle, Seamus Cotter, Laura Heavey, Kate Brain, Nicole Rankin, Grace McCutchan, Patrick Redmond","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.13793.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.13793.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lung cancer is a significant cause of cancer-related mortality globally, with early detection through screening critical to improving patient outcomes. However, recruiting high-risk individuals, particularly in deprived populations, for screening remains a considerable challenge. This study aims to co-design a targeted recruitment strategy for lung cancer screening, tailored to the specific needs and experiences of high-risk individuals, in collaboration with a Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) panel and expert stakeholders in Ireland.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We will employ a mixed-methods design guided by the Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for developing complex interventions. Our approach will integrate systematic review findings on screening participation interventions, evaluation of the recruitment strategy's feasibility in an Irish context, and the application of behavioural science frameworks. The target population includes individuals aged 55-74 who reside in highly deprived areas and are at high risk of developing lung cancer based on the National Lung Screening Trial criteria, as well as those eligible for our Lung Health Check trial who met equivalent risk thresholds.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This co-designed recruitment strategy will combine evidence-based research, local context understanding, and stakeholder input to develop a solution that is both scientifically robust and tailored to the target population's needs. This patient-centred approach aims to increase the potential for successful implementation of lung cancer screening programs, thereby improving early detection and patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"6 ","pages":"64"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11190654/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144746370","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protocol for the economic evaluation of LCS in Ireland: modelling costs, eligibility, and outcomes.","authors":"Tatiana Bezdenezhnykh, James O'Mahony, Benjamin Jacob, Deirdre Murray, Daniel Ryan, Jarushka Naidoo, Seamus Cotter, Alan Smith, Patrick Redmond","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14126.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14126.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lung cancer (LC) is the leading cause of cancer death in Ireland, yet no national screening programme exists. While low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening reduces lung cancer mortality by approximately 20% in high-risk populations, its cost-effectiveness in Ireland remains uncertain. Evidence on the economic burden of lung cancer care and the feasibility of screening is needed to support policy decisions.</p><p><strong>Aim: </strong>This research programme will evaluate the economic impact of lung cancer care in Ireland and assess the cost-effectiveness of LDCT screening. By integrating screening eligibility modelling, stage-specific cost analysis, and economic evaluation, the study aims to generate evidence to support resource allocation and policy development.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The programme consists of three interlinked work packages. First, screening eligibility will be estimated using a dynamic Markov model that integrates demographic data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO), population projections, and smoking history data from Eurobarometer. Second, a stage-specific cost analysis will be conducted using a discrete event simulation (DES) model informed by data from the National Cancer Registry Ireland (NCRI), the Healthcare Pricing Office (HPO), and other healthcare reimbursement sources. Third, a cost-effectiveness analysis will adapt a UK-based LC natural history model (updated ENaBL model 2022) to evaluate alternative screening strategies, incorporating Irish-specific costs, clinical outcomes, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs).</p><p><strong>Results and implications: </strong>This programme will generate evidence to inform the design of a cost-effective LCS programme in Ireland. Findings will guide healthcare planning, optimise screening strategies, and support sustainable policy decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"55"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12416482/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145031297","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Endocannabinoid system modulation for visceral abdominal pain in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Rebecca M Lane, Laurence J Egan, Brian E McGuire, Declan P McKernan, Siobhain M O'Mahony, David P Finn","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14082.2","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14082.2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Visceral Pain is a common debilitating symptom of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a prime target for alleviation of visceral pain, given its important role in both gastrointestinal physiology and pain. We will conduct a systematic review of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of cannabis, cannabinoids, cannabis-based medicines (CBMs), and other ECS modulators for patients with IBD and IBS, comparing any preparation of cannabis, any cannabinoid, CBM, or other pharmacological modulator of the ECS (any dose, by any route of administration), with any control (placebo, or pharmacological / psychological / dietary intervention). We will search CENTRAL, MEDLINE, PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases, as well as the WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform and ClinicalTrials.gov Trials Registries, together with reference checking and citation searching, following PRISMA guidelines. Our objectives are to evaluate the benefits and harms of pharmacological modulation of the ECS for visceral abdominal pain in patients with IBD or IBS, compared to placebo or other interventions. The primary outcomes will be the proportion of people with (a) at least a 30% reduction and (b) at least a 50% reduction in pain. Secondary outcomes will include any change in pain intensity, physical and emotional functioning, fatigue and sleep measures, quality of life, gastrointestinal disease or symptom severity, and adverse effects. We will assess risk of bias in the RCTs using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. Where there are sufficient data that are directly comparable, we will conduct meta-analyses of the results for each outcome. We will use the GRADEpro GDT tool to assess certainty of evidence for each outcome. This review will synthesise the available evidence regarding all types of ECS modulation for the treatment of visceral abdominal pain and its related comorbidities in IBS and IBD patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12375179/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981146","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"What are the Mechanisms and Contexts for a Supported Life After Stroke Pathway: Protocol for a Rapid Realist Review.","authors":"Olive Lennon, Mary O'Neill, Killian Walsh, Frances Horgan","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14034.3","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14034.3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Ever-growing numbers of individuals are surviving stroke and living with the consequences. Life after stroke is a key pillar in addressing the burden of stroke for the remaining lifespan for those with stroke. No consensus on how to best promote agency and fulfilment in life after stroke or the resources required to achieve this currently exists.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this realist review protocol we outline the methods we will use to gain an understanding of supporting Life after Stroke through the development of programme theories. These will consist of context-mechanism-outcome configurations (CMOCs) and will acknowledge the resources required. The review will follow the RAMESES five-stage structured methodology to (1) define the scope of the review, and the development of initial programme theories for supporting life after stroke, (2) develop a comprehensive search strategy to identify relevant research, (3) review primary studies and extract data, (4) synthesise evidence (5) refine programme theories iteratively throughout the process using an Expert Panel and reference group, to including stroke researchers, health care professionals working in stroke care, people with lived experience of stroke and carers, and stroke support agencies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This realist review will examine the mechanisms and contexts for a supported life after stroke care pathway. The CMOCs developed will help explain how generative causation within the life after stroke pathway works. The findings will help inform policy and practice and inform future realist evaluations of Life after Stroke support pathways.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"10"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11986413/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143999779","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Protocol for an umbrella review of the state-of-science on public and patient involvement in health and social care research with children, young people and families.","authors":"Shauna Malone Gill, Orla Hayes, Yvonne Corcoran, Anna Gunning, Veronica Swallow, Emma Nicholson, Begonya Nafria Escalera, Amanda Drury, Edel Murphy, Arthur Templeman-Lilley, Veronica Lambert","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14142.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14142.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Public and Patient Involvement (PPI) refers to the active collaboration of patients and the public in health and social care research decision-making, enhancing research success, cost-effectiveness, and impact. Children, young people, and their families bring unique lived experiences to PPI in research, relating to others with similar experiences, while factors like age, cognitive maturation, and developmental stage create differences between researchers and patients or the public. Collaboration with children, young people, and their families should be guided by specific project context and a strong evidence base. However, existing systematic reviews reveal inconsistencies in reporting and a lack of standardised methods for these groups, limiting effective PPI implementation. This protocol details methods for an umbrella review to identify the current state-of-science and future priorities for collaborating with children, young people and families in health and social care research.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The protocol was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols (PRISMA-P) guidelines, which will also direct the reporting of findings. The Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology for conducting umbrella reviews will be adhered to throughout. MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane, DARE, JBI Evidence Synthesis, PROSPERO, grey literature databases, targeted international networks, and the Google search engine will be searched for systematic reviews on PPI with children, young people, and families in health and social care research. Two reviewers will independently conduct eligibility screening, data extraction, and quality appraisal.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This umbrella review will provide critical insights into the state-of-science of PPI with children, young people and families in health and social care research. The synthesis of findings could yield important information for researchers and other stakeholders conducting health and social care research in collaboration with children, young people and families by highlighting key patterns, gaps, and recommendations to guide future PPI practices, policies, and research.</p><p><strong>Registration: </strong>This umbrella review was registered in PROSPERO, the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (Prospero registration number: CRD42024608935, registered 14th of November 2024).</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"78"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-07-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12405837/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145002143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Recruitment Strategies for Lung Cancer Screening: An Umbrella Review Protocol.","authors":"Bethany Cushing, Benjamin Jacob, XinYi Low, Sam McGlynn, Ildiko Horvath, Martina Vranka, Tytti Sarkeala, Patrick Redmond","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14160.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14160.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Low-dose CT (LDCT) lung cancer screening (LCS) reduces lung cancer-specific mortality by 20%, yet participation remains low, often below 15%, compared with 60-75% for other cancer screening programmes. Barriers such as limited accessibility, stigma, fear of diagnosis, and misconceptions contribute to poor uptake, particularly among high-risk groups, including heavy smokers, ethnic minorities, and individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. Various recruitment strategies-such as personalised invitations, media campaigns, and primary care referrals-have been implemented, but their effectiveness across different populations remains unclear. This umbrella review will synthesise evidence from systematic reviews to identify the most effective recruitment strategies for improving LCS participation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This umbrella review will follow Joanna Briggs Institute guidelines and the PRIOR reporting framework. A systematic search of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and systematic review registries will identify systematic reviews published before 31 October 2024. Eligible reviews must evaluate LCS recruitment strategies and report on at least one of the following: population reach, screening up take, adherence, patient experience, or implementation barriers. Quality will be assessed using AMSTAR 2, and overlapping primary studies will be mapped to prevent duplication. A narrative synthesis will categorise recruitment strategies, and a qualitative effectiveness ranking will summarise key findings.</p><p><strong>Implications: </strong>Findings will inform LCS recruitment strategies in Europe, contributing to the EU4Health-funded EUCanScreen programme. This review will support efforts to improve uptake, reduce disparities, and enhance early detection and survival outcomes of lung cancer.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"71"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12375178/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981054","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Rapid Evidence Support System Assessment (RESSA) of health policymaking in Ireland - A Protocol.","authors":"Barbara Whelan, Marie Tierney, Nikita N Burke, K M Saif-Ur-Rahman, Caitriona Creely, Trudy Duffy, Catherine Gill, Mary Horgan, John N Lavis, Teresa Maguire, Mairead O'Driscoll, John O'Neill, Kerry Waddell, Declan Devane","doi":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14167.1","DOIUrl":"10.12688/hrbopenres.14167.1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Evidence-informed policymaking promotes the use of the best available evidence in a systematic and transparent manner to guide policy decisions. It aims to ensure that policies are grounded in credible and relevant evidence while also considering factors such as feasibility, sustainability, equity, and stakeholder input. The Global Evidence Commission has emphasised the necessity for stronger national evidence infrastructures and recommended that governments evaluate their evidence-support systems, focusing on the demand for evidence from policymakers, the supply of timely and relevant evidence, and the coordination between the two. To assist countries in reviewing their evidence-support systems, the Global Commission on Evidence to Address Societal Challenges developed the Rapid Evidence Support System Assessment (RESSA). Here, we outline the protocol for a RESSA of health policymaking being conducted in Ireland.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This study will adopt a flexible, mixed-methods design with four key stages: (1) a high-level website review, (2) an in-depth document review, (3) semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, and (4) seeking feedback. For the document review, the data analysis and synthesis process will follow the READ approach, allowing for a systematic way to organise, interpret, and synthesise the information extracted from the selected documents. Interview data will be analysed using a thematic approach. Findings from both sources will be triangulated to ensure robust conclusions about the strengths and challenges of the evidence-support system for health policymaking.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This protocol outlines the methods for assessing Ireland's evidence support system for health policymaking. By documenting our approach in detail, we aim to enhance transparency and replicability, providing a foundation for easier comparison and contrast with similar assessments conducted by other groups. While this study focuses on health, the methodology and findings may also inform evidence-support systems in other sectors, such as climate and education.</p>","PeriodicalId":73254,"journal":{"name":"HRB open research","volume":"8 ","pages":"70"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12368487/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144981133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}