Evidence and health policy: how linked can they be? Examples from Bavaria

Background: The call for evidence based decision making has long left the realm of clinical medicine. In the complex field of health policy an increasing emphasis is being put on data. The potential of evidence in the health policy process shall be illustrated with three examples and the nature of the relationship of evidence and policy process be explored. Health Policy Examples Bavarian Immunisation Strategy Led by immunisation data showing a north-south gradient in immunisation coverage with further regional disparities, a Bavaria-wide working group prioritised measles and identified target age groups, region…