Bridging evidence and policy: Ateneo Policy Center hosts forum on evidence synthesis on government policy

The Ateneo School of Government through the Ateneo Policy Center hosted a hybrid forum on “Evidence Synthesis on Government Policy” last November 4, 2024. The discussion was led by Mr. Veincent Christian F. Pepito, MSc, who serves as Assistant Professor IV at the Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health and Research Fellow at the Tobacco Prevention and Control Policy Development Fellowship of the Ateneo School of Government.

The event is a continuation of a previously held forum on Understanding and Evaluating Government Policy. Last March 14, Mr. Pepito underscored the importance of developing a clear and logical theory of change in understanding government policy, introducing scientific approaches to evaluating government policy.

In the present event, Mr. Pepito explained how evidence synthesis can be applied in crafting and studying policies and interventions. He discussed how evidence synthesis is critical in identifying knowledge gaps, establishing evidence base, and informing policymakers and practitioners on best practices for policy implementation.

He also enumerated the different methodologies employed for evidence synthesis, focusing on three, namely mapping/scoping review, systematic review and meta-analysis, and realist review, and explaining when these methods are best used. Finally, the presentation concluded with several best practices for evidence synthesis, including minimization of biases and ways to balance specificity and sensitivity.

The forum is part of the School of Government’s prioritization of promoting evidence-based decision and policy-making, supporting the University’s thrust in advancing universal health care.