The scope and sustainability of, and data about, utilization of embedded research: qualitative evidence from Latin America and the Caribbean/ Alcance, sostenibilidad y datos sobre la utilizacion de la investigacion incorporada: evidencia cualitativa procedente de America Latina y el Caribe/ Escopo, sustentabilidade e dados da utilizacao de pesquisa com implementacao incorporada: evidencias qualitativas da America Latina e do Caribe

• Published in: Revista panamericana de salud pública 2024-08, Vol.48
• Main Authors: Becerril-Montekio, Victor, Torres-Pereda, Pilar, Garcia-Bello, Luis Alberto, Alcalde-Rabanal, Jacqueline
• Format: Article
• Language: Spanish
• Subjects: Analysis; Sustainable development
• ISSN: 1020-4989
• DOI: 10.26633/RPSP.2024.66

Objectives. This paper describes and analyzes embedded implementation research and the empirical processes of planning for utilization, strategies to promote utilization and the sustainability of utilization of results from research led by decision-makers in Latin America and the Caribbean. Methods. This qualitative, descriptive and interpretive study is based on the findings from semistructured interviews with members of teams working under the Embedding Research for the Sustainable Development Goals initiative (2018-2019) as well as their responses to a self-assessment follow-up questionnaire 1 year after the project was completed. Results. Altogether 13 teams from 11 countries participated in the Initiative. Nine teams had a core team composed of a decision-maker as the principal investigator assisted by a researcher as co-principal investigator. Four teams included more than one co-principal investigator; and in five teams, the originally assigned principal investigator was replaced. There was an interesting relationship between the expected utilization of research results, the utilization strategies, the sustainability of research uptake and the teams' collaboration modalities. When decision-makers and co-principal investigators were active participants, the intention to use the results and strategies for utilization were clearly oriented to improve implementation. In teams with basically a formal collaboration between the two principals, plans for utilization were unclear or focused on producing academic knowledge. The participation of implementers below the rank of principal investigator decision-maker may be relevant. Conclusions. Embedded implementation research is an innovative tool that may foster the utilization of research and strengthen health programs and services. Considering the internal dynamics of such research teams will enhance planning and strategies for research utilization as well as the sustainability of practical and actionable findings. Keywords Implementation science; health services research; Latin America; Caribbean region. Objetivos. En este articulo se describe y analiza la Incorporacion de la Investigacion sobre implementaclon y los procesos empiricos de planificacion de su utilizacion, las estrategias para promoverla y la sostenibilidad de la utilizacion de los resultados de la investigacion dirigida por los responsables de la toma de decisiones en America Latina y el Caribe. Metodos. Este estudio cualitativo, descriptivo