The RAPID framework can be used as a conceptual framework to help researchers and policy entrepreneurs understand the role that evidence based research plays, amongst other issues, in influencing policy. The four components of the framework can provide the user with in-depth and valuable information regarding policy windows, key policy actors and networks, gaps in the existing evidence, alternative means of communication and trends and changes in the external environment. Unfortunately, addressing all these issues can prove a daunting task. This tool can be used to ease the process. Thus, it presents some of the key questions that the researcher or policy entrepreneur should answer.