A translational public health research framework for implementing nurse-initiated public health policy centers

Background: Traditional linear definitions of translational research (TR) are inadequate for understanding translational public health research (TPHR). Most TR funding and effort has focused downstream on basic science research which does little to immediately affect population health, the endpoint of TPHR. A model for TPHR that includes contextual factors and is focused further upstream is both ethical and prudent. The TPHR framework proposed by Ogilvie and colleagues (2009) takes into account contextual factors (e.g., the social determinants of health) by incorporating evidence from basic, social, epidemiological and environmental sciences. Central to this framework is evidence synthesis derived from all relevant sources, and used to inform professional practice, policy and the media.

Description: Using Ogilvie and colleagues' (2009) TPHR framework, a nurse-initiated public health policy center (PHPC) was created with a mission to improve public health by providing non-partisan, high-quality research syntheses focused on critical public health policy issues. Nurse researchers, multi-disciplinary clinicians, economists, graduate students, and public health and health care advocates collaborate to synthesize research and inform stakeholders, legislators, professionals and the public about policies relevant to public health.

Lessons Learned: The TPHR framework proposed by Ogilvie and colleagues (2009) is useful for guiding the work of the PHPC, and is particularly relevant for nurses who are engaged in TPHR.

Recommendations: Nurses are uniquely qualified and able to form collaborations and synthesize evidence that contributes to the growing body of TPHR knowledge.