Where Do We Go from Here? Translating Research to Policy

Abstract The common characteristic among the determinants of population health discussed in previous chapters of this volume is that they are fundamentally aggregate-level, social factors over which a single individual has little control. Affecting these factors requires policy-level social change. However, existing research is often not used, or not used to its full potential, in policy formation. This chapter examines the issue of how to influence policy makers and other actors who are in a position to implement broad-scale policy change. It explores evidence regarding the use of research in policy development using a series of case studies, which hopefully will offer insights for the use of population health research.