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Translating Research to Healthcare Policy

In this course, you will learn about the process of evaluating the real-world outcomes of health research. You will learn important terminology and concepts as you explore how the outcomes of health research can influence health policy and practice. The readings, videos, and activities in this course should be completed in the order they are presented to ensure that you will have the best learning experience possible. This course will be of interest to graduate students, health professions students, scientists, public health professionals, and others conducting or planning a career in translational research.

This is the final course in the “Translational Science” series.

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Syllabus

Week 1

Welcome to Week 1 of the course Translating Research into Healthcare Policy. This week you will learn to (1 describe the process of translating research into healthcare policy, and 2) define health equity and healthcare policy and identify the difference between the two concepts.

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Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Suitable for those with some background in health research, particularly translational studies

Appropriate for those interested in policy research and its applications in healthcare

Could support career advancement opportunities for healthcare policy researchers

Taught by Vicki Ellingrod, an expert in translational research

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Reviews summary

Bridging research and healthcare policy

According to students, this course offers a comprehensive and valuable introduction to the process of translating research into healthcare policy. Learners consistently praise its well-structured content and the clarity of its explanations, making complex topics accessible. Many found the real-world examples and practical insights particularly beneficial, enhancing their understanding of how research influences policy and practice. While the course provides a strong foundational understanding, some noted it might be a better fit for those with prior health or policy knowledge, suggesting beginners may need to dedicate extra time. Overall, it's considered an essential course for anyone interested in translational science.

Pacing might challenge beginners without prior knowledge.

"While very informative, I felt that some parts moved quickly, and I needed to do extra reading to fully grasp concepts as a beginner."

"For someone without a strong background in health policy or research, the pace might be a bit challenging, requiring more self-study."

"I recommend this course more for those who already have some foundational knowledge in health sciences or policy studies."

Ideal for those in public health or healthcare fields.

"As a public health professional, I found this course directly applicable to my work."

"Highly recommended for anyone working in or planning a career in health policy or translational research."

"This course is particularly valuable for graduate students and scientists looking to bridge the gap between research and practice."

Well-organized materials and clear, concise explanations.

"The lectures were clear and concise, making complex topics easy to digest."

"The course is very well-organized, with logical progression through the weeks, which helped me stay engaged."

"I really liked how the information was presented; it was easy to follow and understand, even for someone new to the specific area."

Emphasizes real-world relevance and practical implications.

"The course excelled at connecting theoretical research concepts to actual healthcare policy implications, which was incredibly useful."

"I appreciated the practical examples that showed exactly how research findings can be used to influence policy decisions."

"It provided me with a clear understanding of the steps involved in advocating for evidence-based policies."

Provides a clear and solid introduction to health policy.

"This course offers a fantastic foundation in understanding how health research can inform policy."

"I found the content to be very well-structured and it laid a solid groundwork for translating research."

"It’s a great introductory course for understanding the key concepts of health policy and translational science."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Translating Research to Healthcare Policy with these activities:

Review current research on healthcare policy

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Researching current healthcare policy will help you refresh your knowledge and ensure you are up-to-date on the latest developments in the field.

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Identify relevant databases and search terms.
Conduct a comprehensive literature review.
Synthesize and summarize key findings.

Review previously learned methods of evaluating the real-world outcomes of health research.

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This activity will help you refresh your knowledge of the methods used to evaluate the real-world outcomes of health research, which will be essential for your success in this course.

Browse courses on Research Evaluation

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Review your notes from previous courses on health research evaluation.
Read journal articles on the latest methods for evaluating the real-world outcomes of health research.
Complete practice problems on evaluating the real-world outcomes of health research.

Practice evaluating the real-world outcomes of health research using real-world data.

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This hands-on activity will give you the opportunity to apply the methods you have learned in this course to real-world data.

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Find a dataset that contains real-world data on health outcomes.
Use the methods you have learned in this course to evaluate the real-world outcomes of the health intervention or policy that is being studied in the dataset.
Write a report on your findings.

One other activity

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Show all four activities

Develop a research proposal for a study to evaluate the real-world outcomes of a health intervention or policy.

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This project will allow you to apply the knowledge and skills you have gained in this course to a real-world problem.

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Choose a health intervention or policy that you are interested in studying.
Develop a research question that you want to answer about the real-world outcomes of the intervention or policy.
Design a study to answer your research question.
Write a research proposal that outlines your study design and methods.

Career center

Learners who complete Translating Research to Healthcare Policy will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Health Policy Analyst

A Health Policy Analyst advises government agencies, politicians, and advocacy organizations to help create and implement health policy. They collect and analyze data regarding the health of a population, perform cost-benefit analyses, and make recommendations. This course can help a Health Policy Analyst by introducing them to the process of evaluating research and identifying outcomes that may be relevant to policy making. The course also covers principles of health equity that all analysts should be familiar with.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Policy Analyst

Healthcare Consultant

A Healthcare Consultant helps healthcare organizations improve their performance and achieve their goals. Many consultancies focus on healthcare policy and research to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of healthcare delivery. This course can be useful for a Healthcare Consultant by introducing them to the process of evaluating research and identifying the types of outcomes that may be influential in policy making.

See salaries and explore the career path for Healthcare Consultant

Medical Writer

A Medical Writer creates educational and promotional content for medical and healthcare audiences. Medical Writers may work for hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or medical device manufacturers. This course may be useful for a Medical Writer because it introduces the principles of translating research into healthcare policy. This is a valuable skill for a writer that communicates medical information to a non-scientific audience.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Writer

Public Health Researcher

A Public Health Researcher investigates the causes of disease and other health problems in order to develop and evaluate public health programs. Public Health Researchers may also work to influence public health policy. This course may be useful for a Public Health Researcher by providing them with a foundation in the principles of evaluating research outcomes and how those outcomes may influence policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public Health Researcher

Epidemiologist

An Epidemiologist studies the distribution and patterns of health events and diseases in a population. Epidemiologists may work for government agencies, universities, or non-profit organizations. This course may be useful for an Epidemiologist by introducing them to the principles of evaluating research outcomes. Understanding research outcomes is essential to developing and evaluating public health programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Epidemiologist

Health Economist

A Health Economist uses economic principles to analyze healthcare issues. Health Economists may work for government agencies, universities, or pharmaceutical companies. This course may be useful for a Health Economist by providing them with a foundation in the principles of evaluating research outcomes and how those outcomes may influence policy.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Economist

Clinical Research Associate

A Clinical Research Associate (CRA) manages clinical research studies. CRAs may work for pharmaceutical companies, contract research organizations, or hospitals. This course may be useful for a Clinical Research Associate by introducing them to the principles of evaluating research outcomes.

See salaries and explore the career path for Clinical Research Associate

Biostatistician

A Biostatistician uses statistical methods to design and analyze research studies in the medical and health sciences. Biostatisticians may work for government agencies, universities, or pharmaceutical companies. This course may be useful for a Biostatistician by providing them with a foundation in the principles of evaluating research outcomes and how those outcomes may influence policy.

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Healthcare Administrator

A Healthcare Administrator plans, directs, and coordinates healthcare services. Healthcare Administrators may work for hospitals, clinics, or other healthcare organizations. This course may be useful for a Healthcare Administrator by introducing them to the principles of evaluating research outcomes and how those outcomes may influence policy.

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Health Policy Advocate

A Health Policy Advocate is a voice for people who are affected by health policy. Health Policy Advocates may work for non-profit organizations, government agencies, or political campaigns. This course may be useful for a Health Policy Advocate by introducing them to the principles of translating research into healthcare policy and the role of advocacy in healthcare policy.

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Physician

A Physician provides medical care to patients. Physicians may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This course may be useful for a Physician by introducing them to the principles of evaluating research outcomes and how those outcomes may influence policy. As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, an understanding of healthcare policy is increasingly valuable.

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Nurse Practitioner

A Nurse Practitioner is a registered nurse who has advanced training and can provide a wide range of healthcare services. Nurse Practitioners may work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, and private practices. This course may be useful for a Nurse Practitioner by introducing them to the principles of evaluating research outcomes and how those outcomes may influence policy.

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Pharmacist

A Pharmacist dispenses medications and provides information about their use. Pharmacists may work in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. This course may be useful for a Pharmacist by introducing them to the principles of evaluating research outcomes and how those outcomes may influence policy.

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Dentist

A Dentist provides dental care to patients. Dentists may work in a variety of settings, including private practices, clinics, and hospitals. This course may be useful for a Dentist by introducing them to the principles of evaluating research outcomes and how those outcomes may influence policy. As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, an understanding of healthcare policy is increasingly valuable.

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Healthcare Lobbyist

A Healthcare Lobbyist represents the interests of healthcare organizations before government agencies and politicians. Healthcare Lobbyists may work for hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, or other healthcare organizations. This course may be useful for a Healthcare Lobbyist by introducing them to the principles of translating research into healthcare policy and the role of advocacy in healthcare policy.

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Reading list

We've selected eight books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Translating Research to Healthcare Policy .

Foundations of Migration Economics

Save

This textbook provides a comprehensive overview of the field of health economics. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in learning more about the economic principles that are used to analyze health policy issues.

Foundations of Migration Economics

Paperback

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Foundations of Migration Economics

Kindle Edition

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Medical Malpractice Litigation

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the politics of health policy. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in learning more about the political factors that influence health policymaking.

Medical Malpractice Litigation: How It Works, Why...

Hardcover

Medical Malpractice Litigation: How It Works, Why...

Kindle Edition

Epidemiology and the People's Health

Save

Provides a comprehensive overview of the social determinants of health. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in learning more about the social and economic factors that affect health outcomes.

Epidemiology and the People's Health: Theory and...

Paperback

Critical Epidemiology and the People's Health...

Hardcover

Epidemiology and the People's Health: Theory and...

Paperback

$$$

Epidemiology and the People's Health: Theory and...

Kindle Edition

The Road to Nowhere

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Provides a historical and political analysis of health care reform efforts in the United States.

The Road to Nowhere: The Genesis of President...

Kindle Edition

Public Health Law

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the future of public health. It would be a valuable resource for students interested in learning more about the challenges and opportunities facing public health in the 21st century.

Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint

Paperback

$$$

Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader

Paperback

$$$

Public Health Law and Ethics: A Reader

Kindle Edition

Public Health Law: Power, Duty, Restraint

Kindle Edition