A systematic approach for undertaking a research priority-setting exercise: guidance for WHO staff (2020)

The document provides practical guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) for planning and conducting health research priority-setting exercises in a transparent, ethical, and evidence-informed manner. It proposes a systematic framework organized into four phases: planning, implementation, publication, and monitoring and evaluation. The guidance highlights the importance of clearly defining objectives, understanding the health and policy context, reviewing existing evidence, and engaging stakeholders through an inclusive process that promotes equity, gender considerations, and broad representation. 

The document also describes several approaches for prioritizing research questions and emphasizes that decisions should balance three key dimensions: potential public health benefit, scientific feasibility, and the resources required for implementation. It further stresses that successful priority-setting depends on effective communication strategies, active stakeholder engagement, and robust monitoring mechanisms to assess the influence of priorities on research activities, funding decisions, health policies, and ultimately population health outcomes.