Identifying Key Steps in Developing a One-stop Shop for Health Policy and System Information in a Limited-resource Setting: A Case Study

Abstract

Background: Limited understanding exists about the development of online one-stop shops for evidence in a limited-resource setting, such as Uganda. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive account of the development process of the online resource for local policy and systems-relevant information in this setting. Methods: We utilized a case study design to address our objective where the case (i.e., unit of analysis) was defined as “the Uganda clearinghouse for health policy and system (UCHPS) the development process”. We collected data from multiple sources, including key informant interviews, participant observations, and archival records to develop a comprehensive account of the case under investigation. Results: We found out that the development of Uganda clearinghouse for health policy and system (UCHPS) followed a seven-step process, characterized by iterations that occurred within and between the steps. The essential components of the process included concept development, prototyping the key structure, engaging with policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders, mobilizing and indexing the content, disseminating the resource, user-testing, and updating the system. Conclusion: Our study provides key steps for developing a one-stop shop for local evidence to inform health policy and system decisions. Researchers and institutions, especially those in low and middle income countries (LMICs) may apply this step-by-step inventory to develop similar resources. The inventory is based on knowledge translation (KT) evidence and product design principles along with insights drawn from the practical experience of developing an online KT platform in a limited-resource setting.

Keywords

• online resources
• knowledge translation
• health policy
• clearinghouse
• resource-limited setting