Research-policy gap – There is often a disconnect between those who conduct research and those who are positioned to implement the research findings.
Review
Complete the assigned readings and review the following resource to prepare for this discussion.
- Diffusion Theory and Knowledge Dissemination, Utilization, and Integration in Public Health (opens in new window)
Respond
There is often a disconnect between those who conduct research and those who are positioned to implement the research findings. The underlying problem is that “the production and dissemination of evidence are organized institutionally with highly centralized…funding, storing, indexing, synthesizing, and disseminating of science, whereas the application of that science is highly decentralized” (Green, Ottoson, Garcia, and Hiatt, 2009, p.154). Another factor adding to this dissonance is that scientists are trained to communicate with other scientists, not necessarily with the public, or with policymakers (p.155).
Thinking about this disconnect, reflect on the following:
- What are some recommendations for closing the distance between science and policy?
- How can implementation science contribute to bridging the gap?
Discussion Requirements
- Initial Posts: 250-300 words
- APA formatted references in posts
