Translational Science Benefits
Policy & legislative benefits (Advisory activities)
Definition
Non-technical, evidence-based documents geared toward audiences who intend to use the information for policy/behavioral change. Target audiences include practitioners, policy makers, public health educators, and the general public. Examples include but are not limited to reports published by the National Institutes of Health, Institute of Medicine, or the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.
Rationale
Ranging from identification of health problems to intervention evaluation summaries, these documents often provide actionable recommendations based on scientifically-derived findings.
Guidance
Advice from authors on searching for information:
Topic-specific reports can often be found using the search box provided by the source.
Resources & Data
Organizations, repositories, websites, and other sources where you can find more information:
Local
- Missouri DHSS Data, Surveillance Systems & Statistical Reports. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services offers a Data, Surveillance Systems, and Statistical Reports site that offers a mix of formal reports, data, profiles, and other materials.
General
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) . The CDC site offers a wide range of reports geared for a wide range of audiences. Reports can be reached by browsing through broad health categories or topic-specific searches. Two outlets offer periodic reporting on a variety of topics. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) is a source for timely information regarding public health information and recommendations. Publications include weekly reports, recommendations, surveillance summaries, supplements, notifiable infectious diseases and conditions, and notifiable noninfectious conditions and disease outbreaks. Each month, Vital Signs focuses on a specific health problem such as opioid prescribing, arthritis, zika, etc. While based on scientific research, reports are geared for use with the general public and include social media infographics, as well as what can be done to address the problem by federal government, states, healthcare providers, and the general public.
- Kaiser Family Foundation. A US non-profit offering data and information and topical reports in various health and health policy areas.
- Urban Institute. A non-partisan non-profit reporting and offering information on “the well-being of people and places in the United States” with various research reports from experts in many health and social policy areas.
- US Department of Health & Human Services. In addition to other helpful information, the “Think Cultural Health” initiative at the HHS has a repository of scientific research reports and fact sheets that serve as examples of translating science to influence policy.
Data Limitations
Challenges you may encounter while searching for information:
Depending on the source, links to reports may be mixed with data sources and web pages without a downloadable product.
Publications
Articles, books, and other publications in translational science using the benefit:
- Brownson RC, Eyler AA, Harris JK, et al. Getting the word out: new approaches for disseminating public health science. J Public Health Manag Pract. Mar/Apr 2017; 24(2):102-111. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000000673.
- Harris JK, Luke DA, Zuckerman RB, et al. Forty years of secondhand smoke research: The gap between discovery and delivery. Am J Prev Med. 2009; 36(6):538-548. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2009.01.039.
Case Studies

Identifying and Addressing Traumatic Stress and Suicidality in Youth Served by Children’s Advocacy Centers
Assessing the effectiveness of a trauma screening and response protocol to expand access to mental health care for youth in rural Children’s Advocacy Centers.
Clinical & medical benefits
Community & public health benefits
Economic benefits
Policy & legislative benefits

Improving Global Access to Emerging, Effective Medicines for Pediatric Leukemia
Implementing a roadmap for healthcare teams to administer blinatumomab, a treatment for pediatric leukemia that is rarely accessible in low- and middle-income countries
Clinical & medical benefits
Community & public health benefits
Economic benefits
Policy & legislative benefits

Building Collaborations to Improve the Care and Treatment of Children with Cancer in Mexico
Strengthens childhood cancer care in Mexico by expanding access to specialized diagnostics, fostering collaboration among healthcare institutions, and driving policy changes to improve treatment and outcomes.
Clinical & medical benefits
Community & public health benefits
Economic benefits
Policy & legislative benefits