A fundamental issue for leaders in health statistics is the translation of statistical findings into public health policy development. Often the dilemma arises as to how objective quantitative results based on health statistics are used within the context of the political forces surrounding public policy issues. Theoretical models from the fields from political science and public health will be explored from the standpoint of how health statistics are effectively translated into public policy development. National trends will be assessed in terms of how health statistics reports and analyses have impacted major federal public health issues in recent years with a focus on the following three issues: 1.) the uninsured and health insurance coverage, 2.) youth health behaviors such as pregnancy rates, tobacco and drug use, and 3.) race/ethnicity disparities.in health status and access to health services. Specific analysis will be made of the key organizations and specific leaders who have been the especially effective in translating health statistics into public health policy development. At the state level, examples from Minnesota will be used in demonstrating the role of health statistics analyses in these same three health policy areas. There have been some positive examples in Minnesota of how statistical results have impacted programs for the uninsured, the prevention youth tobacco use and adverse health behaviors and the elimination/reduction of adverse health disparities among populations of color. From these national and state experiences, future directions for research and administrative initiatives will be recommended.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1.) Identify key priorities for translating health statistics into public policy development 2.) Develop plans for improving the use of health statistics in addressing health policy priorities.
Keywords: Health Information Systems, Public Policy
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: National Center for Health Statistics
Minnesota Center for Health Statistics
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.