Turning findings into political action
Whereas respondents frequently lamented the lack of direct action on the basis of HSR findings, they also pointed to positive indirect effects and areas where prac- tices have changed as a result of the HSR programme. For example, drug information and licensing have improved, indicators of pharmacy practice developed within the pro- gramme have helped in continued monitoring, and a new, improved edition of the Standard Treatment Guide- lines has been published. For other actions to follow more time was said to be needed and some respondents spoke of five to ten years. While mentioning but a few facilitat- ing factors for turning findings into action, our interview- ees identified several barriers along that road.