Evidence on global development programs often remains fragmented by thematic areas of study or regions and populations. Evidence gap maps (EGMs) are the tools that visually highlight where evidence concentrations and gaps exist in a sector or topic area and, in doing so, consolidate knowledge of these programs to inform future investments in research and programming.
In the field of health research and decision-making, EGMs play a crucial role. These graphic representations bring together available systematic reviews, ongoing research, and impact evaluations related to specific health topics. Presented in an intuitive and interactive format, EGMs empower researchers, policymakers, and health system administrators to navigate the vast landscape of evidence effectively.
While creating an EGM may require more advanced skills, WHO EVIPNet and 3ie are stepping up. They organize workshops to strengthen the basic competencies of audiences in using and producing EGMs. These efforts contribute to informed research agendas and enhance programmatic decision-making.
The workshop is a condensed version of 3ie’s Introduction to EGMs course using the example of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) EGM. Adapted to the needs of EVIPNet members, it will provide participants with a practical application of the steps involved in producing EGMs, including scoping, searching, data extraction, and analysis.
At the end of the webinar, participants working in or interested in SRHR will be invited to participate in a follow-up session to help prioritize topics for evidence synthesis and gauge interest in collaborating on spin-off research projects.
Introduction and remarks:
- Tanja Kuchenmüller, Head of the Evidence to Policy and Impact Unit, WHO and
- Davi Mamblona Marques Romão, Expert, Evidence-Informed Health Policy, WHO
Presenters:
- 3ie SRHR EGM Project team: Birte Snilstveit, Shannon Shisler, Lina Khan, Tomasz Kozakiewicz, Megha Bhattacharyya
Agenda:
- Introduction to evidence synthesis and EGMs: The value of synthesis
- What is an EGM and how to navigate it
SRHR EGM - A Brief Overview
- Stage 1: EGM planning: Establishing your team; Developing and establishing your scope and research question(s); Registering your project, selecting appropriate databases; Developing your search strategy; Writing and publishing your protocol
- Stage 2: EGM execution: Searching evidence (academic literature, grey literature, citation tracking); Screening evidence (title and abstract and full text); Extracting data; Systematic review critical appraisals; Data preparation and analysis.
- Stage 3: EGM knowledge translation: Interpreting the findings; Writing the report and policy briefs; Evidence dissemination and uptake; Living EGMs
Interested in knowing why and how to create an evidence gap map? Interested in sexual and reproductive health and rights? Join us on 23 April!
