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.

摘要：巴西的科研项目通常由公共资金资助，所产出的科研知识旨在助力决策者优化相关项目与政策，以达成预期目标。然而，实践中知识的生产与知识转化（knowledge translation）并非线性过程，而是受研究者的选择及潜在使用者的互动关系所制约。为厘清研究成果的需求方、生产方与使用方的行为逻辑，本文针对儿童贫血相关研究产出的知识的应用机制与影响路径开展评估。本研究为评估性研究，采用单案例研究设计，设置多层嵌套的分析层级，并运用质性研究方法。研究采用文献分析法与半结构化访谈法，分析维度涵盖知识应用模式（工具性、概念性与象征性）及影响路径（按时间与来源划分）。研究观测到，决策者所选用的研究成果的三类科学知识应用形式，均在不同时间节点得以体现。管理方与科研团队的协作越紧密，知识对管理决策的影响就越显著。因此，若要实现知识转化，需调动所有相关主体参与知识生产与有效应用。