LI Course
CE Hours: 3 contact hours

Statement of Purpose and Institute Overview: The purpose of this course is to provide a framework for achieving evidence-based health policy by developing research methodologies that enhance the implementation of actionable results. Despite the importance of evidence-based health policy, translating research into actionable policy remains a persistent problem. By engaging end-users (e.g. policymakers, community health professionals, etc.) in all stages of the research process, researchers can bridge this gap and increase the likelihood of sustainable results. This course will provide tools for improving collaboration between academic researchers, policymakers and municipal leaders, with the goal of teaching participants 1) how to frame a research question to maximize policy impact, 2) how to structure a research study so that the design will maximize both scientific rigor and timely results, and 3) and how to best combine qualitative and quantitative methods, thereby ensuring the policy impact of the research. To explore this topic, the instructors will draw on their work as case examples, and will utilize hands-on instruction to guide participants through their own project ideas. Through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s PolicyLab, its research team has partnered with the City of Philadelphia, early intervention service providers, and the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare in three separate projects designed to ensure optimal child health and well-being for vulnerable children. All projects have engaged end-users in the research process and have used mixed methods (e.g. qualitative and quantitative data) to maximize the likelihood of actionable and sustainable results. The Child Stability and Well-being Study is designed to improve educational outcomes for youth in foster care; Translating Evidence-Based Developmental Screening ascertains best practices for conducting developmental screenings in the busy pediatric primary care office setting; the Health Insurance Improvement Project determines methods for simplifying Medicaid renewal for children. Building on these case studies, participants will explore the applicability to their own work. By the end of the course, participants will have concrete tools and a deeper understanding of how to strengthen partnerships between researchers and policymakers and proactively engage in research committed to having a policy impact.

Session Objectives: •Explain the importance of research designed with engagement of policymakers from the outset •Demonstrate how to frame a research question that actively considers the research’s policy impact •Evaluate the strengths and limitations of combining qualitative and quantitative research methodologies in helping inform public health policy

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)