Table 2

Participant evaluations – pre and post-forum. (n = 10 DM; n = 6 R; authors excluded)

Pre-forum
What were you hoping this day would achieve?



Networking & collaboration
R(3) DM(5)

Understanding & bridging the gap between research & policy & practice
R(3) DM(3)

Evidence update
R(1) DM(6)

Understanding the barriers and issues around implementation
DM(3)

Dedicated staff to apply research
R(1)

Understanding policymakers
R(2)



What do you consider the top 3 issues that need to be addressed today, in this meeting of researchers and policy makers?



Input into the research agenda
DM(1)

Translation of research into policy and practice
R(2) DM(3)

Limitations to implementation
R(2) DM(2)

Collaboration and partnerships
R(5) DM(4)

Update evidence/information sharing
R(1) DM(4)

Sustainability/funding
R(1) DM(4)

Knowledge gaps
R(2) DM(1)

Identify what policymakers need from researchers
R(1)

Post-forum
Have you found this day worthwhile?



Very worthwhile
R(2) DM(6)

Somewhat worthwhile
R(3) DM(4)

Not worthwhile
R(1)



What have you learned or gained from your participation today?



Barriers and frustrations exist across all sectors
DM(1)

Insights into policy and research processes
R(5) DM(3)

Knowing what other jurisdictions are doing
DM(2)

Evidence update
R(1) DM(2)

Opportunity to network with researchers
DM(2)

Need to improve communication between groups
R(1) DM(1)



How could a future meeting which brings researchers and policy makers together be improved?



More clinician involvement
R(1)DM(3)

Broader range of invitees
DM(2)

More regular event
R(1) DM(1)

More time
DM(2)

Come with a specific list of problems that need solutions
R(2) DM(1)

R, researcher; DM, decision-maker; count (n)

Poulos et al. Australia and New Zealand Health Policy 2007 4:6   doi:10.1186/1743-8462-4-6