The Belgian Evidence-Based Practice Program: network governance to improve efficiency and effectiveness of evidence-based practice uptake

In 2016, the Belgian Minister for Social Affairs and Public Health decided to set up a central governance structure for evidence-based practice (EBP). The underlying model, consisting of six EBP life cycle cells (prioritization, development, validation, dissemination, implementation and evaluation) and a bipolar governance layer was developed in 2017. Based on the characteristics of the Belgian EBP landscape, a network administrative organization was chosen to coordinate and facilitate the operational processes in the EBP life cycle and act as intermediate between the two forces: stakeholders and funders/policy makers. Scientific processes remain the responsibility of the EBP experts in the cells. As organizational change can result in resistance, building trust and consensus is a very important success factor for the setup of the network. The process is now in an advanced stage and in 2019 the EBP governance structure will be operationalized.