This document outlines an agenda for a communication workshop focused on effective communication for evidence-based decision making. The workshop will define key concepts, identify the types of information used in decision making, differentiate between data and information, and develop communication strategies. Participants will work in groups to map information flow and develop a policy brief. The goal is to enhance reporting skills and strategies for disseminating health information to policymakers.

1. Communication Workshop
Effective communication for
evidence-based decision-making
Communication Workshop

2. Background
• Outputs: Information products
– Issues with reporting formats/templates
– Data not processed into information
– How do we present health information to get the attention
of policy-makers?
• Outputs: Dissemination and use
– Disconnect between information collected and what is
used for policy decision-making
– Lack of commitment to HIS
– Lack of awareness of the importance of HIS
– What strategies are there for getting data to policy?

3. Components and standards of a health
information system

4. Learning objectives
• Define evidence-based decision-making, including the
processes and people involved
• Identify the types of information decision-makers may
use when making decisions
• Differentiate between ‘data’ and ‘information’
• Describe the process of knowledge translation
• Develop a draft communication strategy
• Compare different communication channels
• Assess the quality of current communication channels
used
• Enhance basic report writing skills

5. Workshop structure
• Morning
– Evidence and information
– Group work: mapping the flow of information
• Lunch
– Issues and challenges in decision-making
– Developing a communication strategy
• Afternoon
– Verbal and written communication
– Group work: developing a policy brief

6. Participant introductions
• You have 5 minutes to find out as much
information as you can about the person next
to you
• In pairs, complete the form about your
partner
• You will then introduce your partner to the
group
• You have 15 minutes for discussion