Linking funding to the use of evidence-based practices: experiences from two European countries

Abstract In this joint presentation, the French and Dutch Best Practice Portals will showcase two distinct funding strategies designed to enhance the adoption of good and best practices. 1. The Dutch Best Practice Portal, Loketgezondleven.nl, has been in operation for 17 years and is well-established within the Netherlands. A key factor in the portal's success is the strong support from the Ministry of Health, Sport, and Welfare, which provides long-term funding not only for the portal itself but also for the implementation of best and good practices. A particularly successful and sustainable strategy has been the funding of the implementation of best and good practices in schools. Schools can apply for financial support when they implement practices from the portal. This funding initiative has not only encouraged the uptake of best and good practices but also boosted the submission of new practices. 2. Santé publique France, the national public health agency, oversees the French Registry for Prevention and Health Promotion, ReperPrev. The primary users of this portal include decision-makers at regional and national levels, field practitioners, implementing organizations, and research teams focused on health prevention. ReperPrev has gained increasing recognition, particularly as prevention funding largely depends on a regional intervention fund allocated to the 18 Regional Health Agencies. This legal framework is designed to tailor funding to local needs and public health priorities, promote evaluations, and enhance efficiency. As a result, more health prevention programs are being submitted to ReperPrev, which is linked to financial support for recognized programs. However, there is significant pressure to ensure the portal's performance. Initial findings from ReperPrev include: • Not all prevention programs can be registered, despite requests at the regional level. • The scientific process must remain independent and free from influence by financial grant considerations.