Understanding the Commercial Determinants of Health (CDOH)
The field of Commercial Determinants of Health (CDOH) is rapidly evolving, drawing attention to the commercial products, pathways, and practices that impact health. With increased interest from researchers and funders, systematic reviews and evidence synthesis have become crucial tools in this area. The recent research article, "The Commercial Determinants of Health and Evidence Synthesis (CODES): methodological guidance for systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses," provides a comprehensive framework for conducting systematic reviews focused on CDOH.
Key Insights from the CODES Guidance
The CODES guidance emphasizes the importance of involving stakeholders in shaping the review question and disseminating findings. However, it cautions against involving industry stakeholders due to potential conflicts of interest. Instead, the focus should be on involving non-industry stakeholders, such as the public and patient representatives, to ensure the credibility of the review.
Another significant aspect of the guidance is the emphasis on equity considerations. CDOH research often highlights the social patterns of harmful commodity exposure and consumption, which are commonly targeted at poorer communities. Therefore, systematic reviews in this field should incorporate an equity perspective, ensuring that the findings are relevant and applicable across different socioeconomic contexts.
Methodological Considerations
The CODES guidance outlines several methodological considerations for conducting systematic reviews in the CDOH field:
- Setting the Research Question: The research question should address answerable questions and fill important gaps in knowledge. It should align with public health priorities rather than industry interests.
- Developing the Protocol: Registering the review protocol is considered good practice. However, for sensitive CDOH topics, it may be advisable to delay public dissemination to avoid industry interference.
- Selecting Outcomes: Careful consideration should be given to selecting primary and secondary outcomes, ensuring they align with health and policy importance rather than industry preferences.
- Equity Focus: Reviews should incorporate an equity perspective, considering the differential health effects of interventions across various socioeconomic settings.
Encouraging Further Research
Practitioners are encouraged to engage with the CODES guidance to enhance their skills in conducting systematic reviews and evidence synthesis in the CDOH field. By adopting a CDOH lens, practitioners can contribute to meaningful knowledge translation, supporting decision-making by policymakers, research funders, and the public.
To delve deeper into the research and explore the comprehensive guidance provided by CODES, practitioners can access the original research paper: The Commercial Determinants of Health and Evidence Synthesis (CODES): methodological guidance for systematic reviews and other evidence syntheses.
