Strategies for effective dissemination of research to United States policymakers: a systematic review

Abstract

Background Research has the potential to influence US social policy; however, existing research in this area lacks a coherent message. The Model for Dissemination of Research provides a framework through which to synthesize lessons learned from research to date on the process of translating research to US policymakers. Methods The peer-reviewed and grey literature was systematically reviewed to understand common strategies for disseminating social policy research to policymakers in the United States. We searched Academic Search Premier, PolicyFile, SocINDEX, Social Work Abstracts, and Web of Science from January 1980 through December 2019. Articles were independently reviewed and thematically analyzed by two investigators and organized using the Model for Dissemination of Research. Results The search resulted in 5225 titles and abstracts for inclusion consideration. 303 full-text articles were reviewed with 27 meeting inclusion criteria. Common sources of research dissemination included government, academic researchers, the peer reviewed literature, and independent organizations. The most frequently disseminated research topics were health-related, and legislators and executive branch administrators were the most common target audience. Print materials and personal communication were the most common channels for disseminating research to policymakers. There was variation in dissemination channels by level of government (e.g., a more formal legislative process at the federal level compared with other levesl). Findings from this work suggest that dissemination is most effective when it starts early, galvanizes support, uses champions and brokers, considers contextual factors, is timely, relevant, and accessible, and knows the players and process. Conclusions Effective dissemination of research to US policymakers exists; yet, rigorous quantitative evaluation is rare. A number of cross-cutting strategies appear to enhance the translation of research evidence into policy. Registration Not registered.

Turning value into action: Healthcare workers using digital media advocacy to drive change

“…However, the authors recognized the continued gap of correlating online engagement with real-world action and behavior change, and the need to pursue more outcome-based measures. Additional tactics are provided in a 2020 systematic review on effective dissemination strategies for research to U.S. policymakers [ 47 ]. While print materials and personal communication were the most frequently used communication channels, some studies also employed traditional and social media, with the most successful approach being to start early, use champions and brokers, understand the stakeholders and process, know the context, engage supporters, and ensure timeliness, relevance, and accessibility of the topics, aligning with many characteristics of the This Is Our Lane movement.…”

Tailoring Dissemination of Evidence to Preferences of Tobacco Control Partners: Results From an Academic-community Partnership

“…Our research supports previous studies' conclusions that policy audiences, including those who work in tobacco control policy, prefer to receive scienti c evidence translated into formats that are shorter and more accessible than scienti c manuscripts and prefer evidence be disseminated through channels other than those typical of academia, like research conferences or journals. (15,19,29) Brief, highly-tailored formats disseminated periodically and electronically were the most preferred among our CAB members. Successful tobacco control interventions have long relied upon appropriate and broad dissemination strategies.…”

“…Active approaches, which pushes evidence towards end users, can facilitate the successful integration of evidence into health policy by tobacco control leaders. (10,14,15)As an initial step, assessing intended audience preferences can help guide researchers' efforts to disseminate evidence through channels accessible and preferable for the intended audience (e.g., email, websites, or hard copies) and in a format that is understandable and usable for the intended audience (e.g., briefs or infographics rather than scienti c articles). A growing body of research within dissemination and implementation science suggests a number of preferences to consider while designing and tailoring dissemination approaches including:…”

Key performance indicators (KPIs)

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