An application of the Science Impact Framework to the Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network from 2014-2018

Sabatino

et al. 2023

Cancer Causes Control

The Cancer Prevention and Control Research Network (CPCRN) was established in 2002 to conduct applied research and undertake related activities to translate evidence into practice, with a special focus on the unmet needs of populations at higher risk of getting cancer and dying from it. A network of academic, public health and community partners, CPCRN is a thematic research network of the Prevention Research Centers Program at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The National Cancer Institute’s Division of Cancer Control and Population Sciences (DCCPS) has been a consistent collaborator. The CPCRN has fostered research on geographically dispersed populations through cross-institution partnerships across the network. Since its inception, the CPCRN has applied rigorous scientific methods to fill knowledge gaps in the application and implementation of evidence-based interventions, and it has developed a generation of leading investigators in the dissemination and implementation of effective public health practices. This article reflects on how CPCRN addressed national priorities, contributed to CDC’s programs, emphasized health equity and impacted science over the past twenty years and potential future directions.

Section: Impact Of the Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Impact Of the Networkmentioning

confidence: 99%

Twenty years of collaborative research to enhance community practice for cancer prevention and control

Sabatino

et al. 2023

Cancer Causes Control

“…SIF was used by a CDC cooperative agreement recipient in assessing the uptake of CDC good PLOS ONE laboratory practice recommendations in biochemical genetic testing and newborn screening communities and developing plans to advance the impact [76]. In addition, a few findings using SIF have been published in peer-reviewed journals [77][78][79].…”

Section: Applicability Of the Science Impact Frameworkmentioning

confidence: 99%

A science impact framework to measure impact beyond journal metrics

et al. 2020

Measuring the impact of public health science or research is important especially when it comes to health outcomes. Achieving the desired health outcomes take time and may be influenced by several contributors, making attribution of credit to any one entity or effort problematic. Here we offer a science impact framework (SIF) for tracing and linking public health science to events and/or actions with recognized impact beyond journal metrics. The SIF was modeled on the Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) Degrees of Impact Thermometer, but differs in that SIF is not incremental, not chronological, and has expanded scope. The SIF recognizes five domains of influence: disseminating science, creating awareness, catalyzing action, effecting change and shaping the future (scope differs from IOM). For public health, the goal is to achieve one or more specific health outcomes. What is unique about this framework is that the focus is not just on the projected impact or outcome but rather the effects that are occurring in real time with the recognition that the measurement field is complex, and it takes time for the ultimate outcome to occur. The SIF is flexible and can be tailored to measure the impact of any scientific effort: from complex initiatives to individual publications. The SIF may be used to measure impact prospectively of an ongoing or new body of work (e.g., research, guidelines and recommendations, or technology) and retrospectively of completed and disseminated work, through linking of events using indicators that are known and have been used for measuring impact. Additionally, linking events offers an approach to both tell our story and also acknowledge other players in the chain of events. The value added by science can easily be relayed to the scientific community, policy makers and the public.

“…Networks, defined in this context as systems of interconnected people and organizations, can support policy research by facilitating cross-sector collaborations that harness decentralized resources to address complex problems, efficiently adapt to emerging challenges, and achieve a shared vision [ 6 – 10 ]. For example, academic researchers conducting policy research with local partners can scale-up discoveries and disseminate findings across the broader network to create action and effect change [ 11 ]. Efforts can be coordinated across institutions and disciplines and shared with practitioners, health departments and policymakers at the local, state, and federal level, resulting in changes at multiple levels.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…While academic productivity is an indicator of success among researchers, frameworks for cross-sector collaboration are emerging that enable a more comprehensive evaluation of coalition efficacy [ 10 , 11 ]. We conducted a mixed-methods network evaluation using one of these frameworks, the Consolidated Framework for Collaborative Research (CFCR) [ 10 ], to explore member experiences and examine the extent to which NOPREN is achieving its goal of creating change in public health practice and policy.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The value of the Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research and Evaluation Network in advancing the evidence base for effective nutrition and obesity policy: assessment using the Consolidated Framework for Collaborative Research

Vasquez¹,

Levi²,

Akers³

et al. 2023

BMC Public Health

Introduction Addressing nutrition disparities and preventing obesity require multi-level interventions, including policies that address the nutrition environment and other social determinants of health. The Nutrition and Obesity Policy Research Evaluation Network (NOPREN) was established in 2009 to conduct transdisciplinary research and accelerate the translation and implementation of science-based policy interventions. This study examined NOPREN’s collaborative practices and identified opportunities to improve network impact. Methods Using a mixed-methods approach, we combined quantitative survey data (n = 106) and in-depth, qualitative interviews (n = 18) to evaluate the experiences of NOPREN members and understand the extent to which NOPREN was achieving its goals. Results Using the Consolidated Framework for Collaborative Research (CFCR), quantitative and qualitative results were organized into 11 themes. We find that NOPREN’s structure and standardized processes facilitate connections to individuals and resources, foster relationships, and support effective cross-sector collaborations. Areas of improvement include capacity building and a more intentional approach towards recruitment of a diverse membership. Conclusion A collaborative research network can build synergy across sectors and accelerate knowledge transfer. These findings will be used to inform the network’s strategic priorities to maximize impact. Findings may also inform similar collaborative efforts for addressing complex public health problems.