Three lessons from evidence-based medicine and policy: increase transparency, balance inputs and understand power

<jats:title>Abstract</jats:title><jats:p>Evidence-based medicine is often described as the ‘template’ for evidence-based policymaking. EBM has evolved over the last 70 years, and now tends to be methodologically pluralistic, operates through specific structures to promote EBM, and is inclusive of a wide range of stakeholders. These strategies allow EBM practitioners to effectively draw on useful evidence, be transparent, and be inclusive; essentially, to share power. We identify three lessons EBP could learn from EBM. Firstly, to <jats:italic>be more transparent</jats:italic> about the processes and structures used to find and use evidence. Secondly, to consider how to balance evidence and other interests, and <jats:italic>how to assemble the evidence jigsaw</jats:italic>. Finally–and this is a lesson for EBM too–that <jats:italic>understanding power</jats:italic> is vital, and how it shapes how knowledge is produced and used. We suggest that advocates of evidence use, and commentators, should focus on thinking about how the <jats:italic>type</jats:italic> of problem faced by decision-makers should influence what evidence is produced, sought, and used.</jats:p>