Table 1.

Influences on the Use of Research Evidence by Boards

Category of influencing factors	Features that play a role
Nature of research evidence	Timeliness of evidence Relevance of evidence Robustness/quality of available evidence (e.g. is it clear cut, is it contested, does it come from a reputable institution, is it based on robust methods?) Format and accessibility (including how quickly and easily research can be translated into an accessible format, how it is communicated)
Type of decisions being made by boards	Whether relevant research evidence is available on the topic of interest for decisionmakers Availability of other types of evidence (e.g. organisational performance data, policy documents) can impact on whether research evidence is prioritised or not, as can the extent to which research evidence complements or challenges other types of evidence
Function, structure and composition of board	How board members understand their role within the organisation How a board perceives its role in the wider health and/or care system Format and workload to cover in board meetings The number, role and skills of board sub-committees Experience, expertise and professional backgrounds of board members, including regarding using research evidence (in relation to other types of evidence or relying on expert judgement and intuition) Power structures and dynamics within boards Links with research institutions The nature and extent of support to the board and to its members
External circumstances and events	Pressures for urgent decision making (e.g. as with COVID-19 pandemic) Policy influences (e.g. via national guidelines or mandates) External pressures on the health and social care system