Insights on supporting the use of research evidence to inform decision-making in crisis zones

Over the last decade we have witnessed an increase in both the availability and accessibility of research evidence. With this, we have observed a greater recognition of, and more attention given to, supporting the use of research evidence in decision-making. Decision-makers in the humanitarian aid sector have been asking how to make better use of research evidence in crisis zones and for evidence to be presented to them alongside other factors that influence their decisions (e.g., stakeholders’ opinions and citizens’ values). Drawing on his three PhD original research papers, Ahmad Firas Khalid (Health Policy PhD and Queen Elizabeth Scholar of the McMaster Health Forum) discussed the most actionable strategies that leverage the facilitators and address the barriers to evidence use in crisis zones. The top ten insights contribute to an increased understanding of the role of research evidence in informing decision-making in crisis zones.