Objective.
To evaluate capacities, organizational arrangements, and barriers to the implementation of Evidence Centers (NEvs) as part of Brazil’s Evidence-Informed Policy Network (EVIPNet).
Methods.
A mixed methods descriptive-analytical, multiple-case exploratory study was performed.
Coordi-nators of active NEvs answered a questionnaire in three parts: participant characteristics, assessment of the capacity to “acquire, assess, adapt, and apply” evidence (4A), and open questions addressing organizational arrangements and barriers to the implementation of NEvs.
Results.
The study included 15 NEvs, mostly from the Midwest; 73.3% were based in universities, while 20% were installed in state/city health departments or in the Ministry of Health. All coordinators had completed graduate training and 80% reported 1 to 5 years’ experience with evidence-based policies as well as proficiency in English. None of the participants worked exclusively as NEv coordinator. NEv teams included health care professionals, students (undergraduate/graduate), professors, and civil servants from health departments. The data revealed high capacity to “acquire” and “assess” evidence, and low capacity to “adapt” and “apply” evidence. On average, three activities or products were developed yearly by each NEv, especially knowledge translation initiatives (systematic reviews and deliberative dialogues) and training for health care professionals, managers and undergraduate/graduate students. Five barrier categories were described: 1) financing, 2) network integration, 3) institutionalization of demands, 4) adaptive capacity, and 5) research communication skills to recommend actions at the local level.
Conclusions.
Trained human resources associated with academic and research institutions are available to support evidence-informed policies. However, the sustainability of NEvs depends on coordinated action to ensure the capacity to adapt and apply evidence.