Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 8, 2026
14:43
A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Knowledge in process? Exploring barriers between epidemiological research and local health policy development.
Joyce de Goede1, Kim Putters, Tom van der Grinten
1Academic Collaborative Centre of Public Health Brabant, Tilburg University, Tilburg, the Netherlands. j.degoede@uvt.nl.
Health Research Policy and Systems
|September 18, 2010
Summary
Local health policy in the Netherlands relies on epidemiological research, but its use is unclear. A new network approach framework enhances understanding of how research impacts policy development by considering interactions and barriers.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Health Policy Research
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Municipalities in the Netherlands are legally mandated to create a Local Health Policy Memorandum every four years.
- This policy document should be informed by local epidemiological research conducted by Regional Health Services.
- The extent to which epidemiological research is utilized in local policy development remains largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present an analytical framework for understanding the utilization of epidemiological research in local health policy development in the Netherlands.
- To address the knowledge gap regarding the practical application of research findings in local public health policy.
Main Methods:
- A literature search was conducted to identify existing research utilization models and concepts.
- An inventory of experiences from Regional Health Services was compiled.
- Barriers in research transmission were mapped and analyzed.
Main Results:
- The interaction model is identified as a key explanatory model for policy development, recognizing its interactive and contextual nature.
- A conceptual framework is proposed, extending the interaction model with a network approach that includes multiple actors.
- Interaction within research and policy networks is expected to enhance research utilization by addressing barriers related to expectations, transfer, acceptance, and interpretation.
Conclusions:
- The developed framework offers added value by emphasizing the context of research and policy networks.
- It contributes to a better understanding of epidemiological research's impact on local health policy.
- Further operationalization of the framework's concepts is necessary for practical application.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Introduction to Epidemiology
Epidemiology, known as the cornerstone of public health, involves studying the distribution and determinants of health-related events in defined populations and applying these insights to control health issues. This is essential for understanding how diseases spread, identifying populations at greater risk, and implementing measures to control or prevent outbreaks. Epidemiology addresses not only infectious diseases but also non-communicable conditions like cancer and cardiovascular disease,...
01:27Confounding in Epidemiological Studies
Confounding in statistical epidemiology represents a pivotal challenge, referring to the distortion in the perceived relationship between an exposure and an outcome due to the presence of a third variable, known as a confounder. This variable is associated with both the exposure and the outcome but is not a direct link in their causal chain. Its presence can lead to erroneous interpretations of the exposure's effect, either exaggerating or underestimating the true association. This phenomenon...
01:29Bias in Epidemiological Studies
Biases can arise at various stages of research, from study design and data collection to analysis and interpretation. Recognizing and addressing these biases is essential to ensure the validity and reliability of epidemiological findings.Broadly speaking, biases in epidemiology fall into three main categories: selection bias, information bias, and confounding. A more detailed description of possible biases is:
01:23Investigation of Disease Outbreaks
Multistate foodborne outbreaks pose significant public health risks and require meticulous investigation to identify sources and implement control measures. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) utilizes a dynamic seven-step process for these investigations, integrating data from laboratories, interviews, and environmental assessments to protect public health.Outbreak Detection: The detection of multistate outbreaks typically begins with PulseNet, the CDC's national laboratory...
01:18Steps in Outbreak Investigation
In the ever-evolving field of public health, statistical analysis serves as a cornerstone for understanding and managing disease outbreaks. By leveraging various statistical tools, health professionals can predict potential outbreaks, analyze ongoing situations, and devise effective responses to mitigate impact. For that to happen, there are a few possible stages of the analysis:
01:21Causality in Epidemiology
Causality or causation is a fundamental concept in epidemiology, vital for understanding the relationships between various factors and health outcomes. Despite its importance, there's no single, universally accepted definition of causality within the discipline. Drawing from a systematic review, causality in epidemiology encompasses several definitions, including production, necessary and sufficient, sufficient-component, counterfactual, and probabilistic models. Each has its strengths and...