Research shapes policy: but the dynamics are subtle

Abstract

Major policy initiatives such as the Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF) in the national contract for UK general practitioners might variably be informed by evidence at their inception, implementation and subsequent evolution. But what evidence gets admitted into these policy debates—and what is left out? Using QOF as an example, this article demonstrates what an analysis of the relationship between policy and the associated research can tell us about the underlying policy assumptions and about the role of evidence in policy debates.

Keywords:

• Evidence
• policy
• Quality and Outcomes Framework (QOF)
• research discourse

Acknowledgements

We are grateful to Martin Roland for his comments on an earlier version of this article. The workshops were supported by the National Institute for Health Research School for Primary Care Research. The views represented here are solely those of the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Robbie Foy

Robbie Foy is a GP and Professor of Primary Care, University of Leeds, UK.

Louise Locock

Louise Locock is Deputy Research Director in Primary Care Health Sciences, University of Oxford, UK.

Sarah Purdy

Sarah Purdy is a GP and consultant senior lecturer, University of Bristol, UK.

Catherine O'Donnell

Catherine O'Donnell is Professor of Primary Care R&D, University of Glasgow, UK.

Nicola Gray

Nicola Gray is a pharmacist researcher, Manchester, UK.

Tim Doran

Tim Doran is a clinical research fellow, University of Manchester, UK.

Huw Davies

Huw Davies is Cohead of the School of Management, University of St Andrews, UK.