The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #65732

Lisa S. Kretz, PhD, Johnson, Bassin and Shaw, Inc., 8630 Fenton Street, Suite 1200, Silver Spring, MD 20910, (301) 495-1080, lkretz@jbs1.com, Jennifer Burns Bonney, MPH, Consultant, 4625 Asbury Place, NW, Washington, DC 20016, Becky Melzer, MA, Johnson, Bassin, & Shaw, Inc., 8630 Fenton Street, 12th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910, and Susan W. Hayashi, PhD, Johnson, Bassin & Shaw, Inc., 8630 Fenton Street, 12th Floor, Silver Spring, MD 20910.

With growing emphasis on restructuring healthcare systems and ensuring access to healthcare for children, it is imperative that relevant research findings achieve sufficient visibility to be considered in policy decisions. This presentation will describe a theory-based evaluation of the dissemination of findings from the Child Health Insurance Research Initiative (CHIRI™) and the implementation and evaluation of technical assistance (TA) to enhance dissemination. Jointly sponsored by AHRQ, HRSA, and the Packard Foundation, CHIRI™ currently funds nine research projects (two national studies and seven studies on specific states) examining child health insurance programs. CHIRI™ represents a unique approach to policy research as it encourages collaboration among researchers and requires that researchers develop and implement dissemination plans to share findings with those involved in policy decisions (e.g., policymakers, change agents).

This evaluation, guided by diffusion theory (Rogers, 1995), uses a case study approach to examine dissemination efforts for nine research projects and several joint research products as well as their impact as evidenced by the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of members of the target audience. The evaluation will incorporate data from semi-structured interviews with researchers and staff who disseminate CHIRI™ research findings and with members of the target audience. Findings regarding the perceived effectiveness of dissemination efforts and obstacles to effective dissemination will be presented. The session will also describe TA activities to enhance researchers' dissemination efforts and results from the TA program process evaluation. The presentation will address TA implementation as well as specific strategies for enhancing dissemination to the policymaking community.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe a multimethod approach to assess dissemination efforts and conduct a needs analysis for technical assistance.
• List three obstacles to disseminating research findings to the policy community.
• Identify three specific strategies for disseminating research findings to the policy community for maximum impact.

Keywords: Public Health Policy, Evaluation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Research to be discussed was conducted by Johnson, Bassin and Shaw, Inc. under contract to AHRQ. CHIRI(TM) is funded by AHRQ, HRSA and the Packard Foundation.
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employed by Johnson, Bassin & Shaw. Research conducted by JBS under contract to AHRQ.