From evidence synthesis to practical tools: Next-user needs for an implementation-ready evidence base to prevent obesity in young children

OBJECTIVE: To understand next-user (e.g. program planners, service managers) decision-making process and needs and expectations for a child health behaviour evidence base. METHODS: Qualitative descriptive study using semi-structured interviews with next-users in the early years system. Data analyses by qualitative descriptive analysis using a deductive and inductive coding approach. RESULTS: Participants (n=9) described their decision-making process, which varied depending on their organisational context, the desired content from an evidence base (e.g. effectiveness, feasibility) and desired functionality (e.g. online repository or dashboard). CONCLUSIONS: Next-users emphasised the need for practical tools that provide easy access to evidence to enable informed decision-making on initiatives in routine settings. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH: Insights into next-users' decision-making process, evidence needs and functionality preferences can be used to design practical fit-for-purpose tools to facilitate knowledge translation.