The role of embedded researchers in co-producing public health knowledge in non-clinical settings: a qualitative systematic review protocol

The gap between knowledge and practice in public health is globally recognised (Di Ruggiero et al., 2017). With the Public Health England commitment of a 116% increase in public health research approvals between 2016 and 2017, (PHE, 2018), it remains important to understand how best to translate this evidence into practice. The inadequate implementation of public health knowledge through research evidence in practice could impact upon the improvement in public health delivery, and ultimately the health and well-being needs of the population (Macintyre, 2003). Apart from this significant impact on public health and well-being, it also has a negative impact on the time and resources invested in conducting research in public health. For example, in the United Kingdom, the Office of National Statistics (2011) report found that approximately £8 billion was spent on health research per annum but the persistent challenges in the health sector still raise questions on the impacts of this research. Therefore, the co-production of public health knowledge between researchers and public health professionals is vital to bridge the knowledge-practice gap.