State Health Policy Makers: What’s the Message and Who’s Listening?

Abstract

This article is based on a white paper commissioned by the Directors of Health Promotion and Education, a national organization representing state health agency directors and practitioners in health promotion and education initiatives. The work reflects an assessment of current understanding of how state-level policy makers receive and use information related to health promotion and chronic disease prevention. Although health education practitioners are routinely encouraged to use policy and environmental change strategies, a systematic approach to communication with policy leaders is not readily available. This work describes the current knowledge of the relationship and offers recommendations for research and practice.

Accelerating Progress in Eating Disorders Prevention: A Call for Policy Translation Research and Training

“…To do this, researchers must involve end users, policymakers, and transdisciplinary teams from the earliest stages of the design process (Jones, Kreuter, Pritchett, Matulionis, & Hann, 2006;Kessler & Glasgow, 2011;Ross, Lavis, Rosriguez, Woodside, & Denis, 2003). (2) Move beyond direct replication of efficacy randomized controlled trials (RCTs): Use alternatives such as replication across varied settings and conditions, effectiveness and dissemination studies, cohort multiple RCT designs, quasi-experimental designs, and studies based in rapidlearning, real-world settings such as health-maintenance organizations, public healthcare systems, primary care-based networks, education systems, etc.…”

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“…Getting to know their preferences can also help tailor information to their needs. 26 building these connections can help facilitate "champions" for the cause. 29,30 • Learn from successful efforts and apply effective strategies.…”