HEALTHCARE POLICY Vol.1 No.2, 2006 [43] Abstract Research synthesis has an important role supporting the transfer of knowledge between researchers and healthcare decision-makers. But if our goal is to make knowledge more useable and context specific, then extending the scope of systematic reviews or producing syntheses with policy makers and managers may be insufficient. Dialogues, partnerships and reinterpretations of evidence in context will help us achieve this goal. Informing Policy Making and Management in Healthcare: The Place for Synthesis Informer l’élaboration de politiques et la gestion dans les soins de santé : la place de la synthèse by CATHERINE POPE, PHD Reader in Health Services Research, School of Nursing & Midwifery University of Southampton, England NICHOLAS MAYS, FFPH Professor of Health Policy, Health Services Research Unit Department of Public Health and Policy London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine London, England JENNIE POPAY, BA, MA Professor of Sociology and Public Health Institute for Health Research University of Lancaster, England PERSPECTIVES ON EVIDENCE, SYNTHESIS AND DECISION-MAKING