HSR2016 Evaluation: what have we learned?
Health Systems Global is pleased to share findings and recommendations from the evaluation of the Fourth Global Symposium on Health Systems Research, which took place in Vancouver, Canada, from 14 to 18 November 2016. The evaluation, carried out by Science-Metrix, provides valuable learning for the organisers of 2016 Symposium, as well as those involved in the preparation and hosting of the Fifth Global Symposium in Liverpool, UK, in October 2018.
HSG would like to thank all those who kindly contributed feedback to inform the evaluation.
Some of the key points from the evaluation include:
Inclusiveness
- The Fourth Global Symposium attracted equal numbers of high income country (HIC) and low and middle income country (LMIC) participants.
- 9 out of 10 delegates felt that the Global Symposium hosted a diverse range of people and provided space for a balance of views and voices from the North and South.
- Over half of those giving presentations at the Symposium were from LMICs. However, LMIC delegates were less likely to be a presenter in the organized, satellite and skills-building sessions compared to their HIC counterparts.
Equitable Knowledge Exchange & Network Building
- Overall, delegates were highly satisfied with the platform the Symposium provided for equitable knowledge exchange and learning.
- Over half of delegates reported that the Symposium made a large or very large, unique contribution to their awareness of up-to-date knowledge and their interest in using knowledge and evidence for their work.
- Results from delegates’ testimonials suggest the Symposium provided, in particular, an opportunity to debate and reflect upon relevant issues.
- Many delegates, especially from LMICs, found that the Symposium offered opportunities for building their professional networks.
Well organized event
- Almost 9 out of 10 delegates would recommend attending the 2018 Symposium to their colleagues.
- Delegates were highly satisfied with the logistics and organisation of the Symposium.
Recommendations for the future
- Content and energy of plenary sessions need to be improved and enhanced in Liverpool to make them more attractive and engaging.
- Optimal number of presenters in sessions should allow for more space for discussion and engagement.
- Integrate multi-media presentations into oral sessions.
- Re-consider how e-posters are used in the Symposium.
- Make skill-building sessions more attractive and engaging.
- Launch the Symposium app earlier in the build-up to the Symposium.
- Further explore the role of social media to engage people and promote inclusive learning beyond the Symposium, including for those who are unable to attend.
- Strengthen the presence of civil society in Liverpool.
- Identify and showcase more sessions focusing research and knowledge translation methods.
