Evaluation of the uses and influences of researches on prevention and control of anemia in children

ABSTRACT

Research in Brazil is usually publicly funded; the knowledge produced is expected to assist decision makers in improving programs and policies to achieve the expected results. However, the production and translation of knowledge in action is not a linear process, but conditioned by the researchers choices and potential users interactions. In order to understand how those involved in the demand, production and use of study results act, this paper presents the evaluation of the mechanisms involved in the uses and influences of knowledge produced by research about anemia in children. This is an evaluative research, with a single case study, imbricate levels of analysis and qualitative method. Document analysis and semi-structured interviews were used, and the categories of analysis were the modes of use (instrumental, conceptual and symbolic) and influence (according to time and source). The three forms of scientific knowledge uses of the researches selected by the decision makers were observed at different times. There was a greater influence of knowledge on manager decisions how closer the approach between management and research. Thus, the involvement of all actors for the production and effective use of knowledge is necessary for the knowledge translation to take place.

KEYWORDS
Translational medical research; Health research evaluation; Anemia