Topic 8 DQ 1
Define how translational research plays a role in influencing policy? Provide an example of
a local health care policy that has been recently enacted and or is awaiting legislative
passage that has been influenced by research.
Translational research has been identifying evidence-based health behaviors, screenings, and
immunizations for decades in public health issues (e.g., smoking cessation, physical activity,
mammography, colonoscopy) (Woolf, et. al., 2015). All implemented due to translational
research on how to help adopting healthier lifestyles for the public knowledge; health services
research helps health systems improve uptake of clinical preventive services; and policy research
helps communities assimilate the evidence-based policies. However, public health (i.e. medicine)
is disappointingly incomplete and slow on the uptake of research evidence.
There were several enacted policies for public health in Arizona that was passed for 2018.
Examples of these are the Opioid Epidemic Interventions, Dental Therapy, Fresh Produce for
SNAP Benefit, Tribal Exemption from Future AHCCCS Work Requirements, Recess in Schools
(to address child obesity), Drug Overdose Review Teams, Asthma Management, HIV Needs
Assessment, and Healthcare Workforce Data (Humble, 2018). All have been proven by research
that for example the Opioid Epidemic Interventions - Opioid pill prescribing limits for opioid
naïve patients, morphine equivalent unit limits (with certain exemptions), limitations on
physician direct dispensing, requires E-prescribing, requires pharmacists to check the controlled
substances monitoring database, requires continuing medical education for prescribers, better
regulation of “pill mills,” informed consent and discharge planning at health care institutions,
implementation underway via rule writing etc. This policy also goes along with the Drug
Overdose Review Teams - requires law enforcement agencies to provide unredacted reports to
the chairperson of a local Drug Overdose Fatality Review Team. Data will be used by the Team
to develop standards and protocols for local drug overdose fatality review teams and provide
training and technical assistance
References
Humble, W. (2018). Arizona’s 2018 legislative session: Victories, losses & missed
opportunities. Retrieved from
https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56ec8d2562cd9413e14c0019/t/