[EQ] Using Research in Public Health Policymaking

State Policy Guide:
Using Research in Public Health Policymaking

The US Council of State Governments, 2008

Available online at: http://www.csg.org/policy/health/documents/StatePolicyGuideCP.pdf

“…..This guide describes the benefits of using research results to make state policy decisions on public health and other health and human services concerns. In addition to considering budgetary constraints, how well a policy fits in your state, public opinion and other political factors, state legislators can effectively apply the cumulative lessons from public health research by working closely with researchers and other experts.

Specifically, this guide will help legislators and their staffs understand:
- How to use research results to produce effective public health policies and programs ƒ. and to spend public resources as wisely as possible;
- . Ways to work with researchers and other experts to understand and apply research evidence on successful programs;
- Key concepts and terms used by public health researchers;
- . How research evidence varies in strength, and what must be considered to determine the likelihood a program or policy will work for your state;
- . Tips for using research when drafting legislation;
- . How to work with coalitions of experts and advocates to advance public health issues;
- . Resources for finding more information about public health policy recommendations based on research results; and
-. How one state used research results to make a measurable positive difference in people’s lives….’

Table of Contents

Summary—10 Key Points
Why Us e Research Results in Policymaking?
Understanding Public Health Research:
Using Research Results in Policymaking
Selecting Policy Options and Developing Policy Strategy
Drafting Public Health Legislation
Reviewing Proposed Public Health Legislation
Legislative Oversight
Developing Champions for Public Health Programs
Conclusion

Apendices
A. Measuring Effectiveness of Public Health Policies and Programs
Example: Using Cost-effectiveness to Set Policy on Flu Vaccines for Children
B. Translating Research into Public Health Policy: Types of Recommendations and Examples
How Do Researchers Identify Highest Potential Policies and Programs?
Examples: Research-based Recommendations on Public Health Policies
Cost-Saving Public Health Policies
Cost-Effective Public Health Policies
Good Ideas for Public Health
No Consensus on Effectiveness Public Health Policies
Discouraged Public Health Policies
C. Resources on Public Health Research Results, Policies and Legislation
Policy Recommendations Based on Research
State Legislation and Programs Based on Public Health Research
D. State Success: California Uses Research to Create Tobacco Use Policies
What are the Research-based Recommendations to Control Tobacco Use?
How is Research Used to Predict the Impact of Increasing Tobacco Taxes?
How Did California Legislators Use Research to Develop Policies?
California’s Tobacco Use Policies: Future Challenges
E. References........”




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