Holly Felix, MPA, College of Public Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 4301 West Markham, Slot 820, Little Rock, AR 72205, 501-526-6626, felixholly@uams.edu and Will Miller, PhD, Public Policy Program, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, Old Main 441, Fayetteville, AR 72701.

There are many factors that influence how and why particular public policies are adopted. These factors can come to play during any of the five stages of the policy process. Information is but one of the elements needed in the development of public policies. A limited number of studies have been undertaken to document the power of information on health policy and the role of health services research in developing health policy. However, these studies do not provide state-specific information which might aid public health professionals and health service researchers in addressing the information needs of their state’s policymakers. A study is underway in Arkansas to document sources and types of information used by members of the Arkansas General Assembly in the development, assessment, and decision-making on health policy. Data is being collected through a 35-question survey, mailed to all legislators. This presentation will offer a glance at preliminary findings from the study as well as describe the study methodology, which could be replicated by others to collect similar information for their particular state.

Learning Objectives:

• Discuss existing research on sources and type of health-related information important to policy makers
• Describe methodology employed to gather state-specific data on sources and types of health related information important to policy makers
• Present preliminary findings from a study of Arkansas legislators

Keywords: Policy/Policy Development, Health Information

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
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.