Living Evidence: Bridging the Evidence-to-Policy Gap by Accelerating Knowledge Synthesis

Session Submission Type: Roundtable

Abstract

While resources exist that attempt to translate and synthesize evidence for use in decision-making, many fall short in one key area: conventional methods of systematic review are treated as static products, updated infrequently (if at all). An emerging approach can support a better bridging of the gap between research and policy.

Living evidence is an approach that treats evidence synthesis as an ongoing, rather than a static, process. It combines traditional, rigorous approaches to summarizing evidence, such as meta-analysis, with continuous workflows and emerging technology to power the development of resources that answer key questions for policymakers and practitioners. This approach gained a foothold during the Covid-19 pandemic, when it was used to create continuously updated guidelines for treatment based on emerging evidence. Living evidence products are deemed more trustworthy by stakeholders, see greater levels of engagement, and have supported the translation of evidence into policy around the world. 

This session will provide an overview of the living evidence model and share real-world examples of how living systematic reviews have been produced within the federal government and in academic settings. Panelists will also discuss the future of this work, highlighting ways that AI and living evidence might strengthen existing policy-relevant resources, like clearinghouses, and how those already working on systematic reviews can begin to adopt this approach.

Policy Area

• Methods and Tools of Analysis

Secondary Policy Area

• Innovations in Science and Technology

Moderator

• Leya Mohsin, Federation of American Scientists

Organizer

• Leya Mohsin, Federation of American Scientists

Speakers

• Pamela Buckley, University of Colorado - Boulder

• Julian Elliott, Future Evidence Foundation

• Arlene Bierman, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality