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Abstract
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Background Evidence to inform decisions about injury-related policies exists; however, such information is not readily accessible to policy makers.
Aims/Objectives/Purpose To develop and disseminate a tool for state policy makers that summarises the evidence on key injury issues affecting the state. To survey policy makers about the utility of the product.
Methods We documented the development of the tool and tracked our dissemination efforts. We fielded a nine question electronic survey of the 188 Maryland state legislators.
Results/Outcomes We developed Preventing Injuries in Maryland: A Resource for State Policy Makers (details will be provided about the development process and the product) and disseminated hard copies and an electronic link to policy makers, advocates, and the media. Twenty-seven percent of policymakers responded to our survey; 39% of those reported they knew about the Resource and 35% reported they used it while the legislature was in session. Respondents reported most often using information in the Resource related to alcohol and injury, and distracted driving. Respondents also provided suggestions for future dissemination (eg, more intensive dissemination efforts that include meetings early in the session with legislators, earlier distribution) and we incorporated those suggestions into our dissemination strategy for later editions of the Resource.
Significance/Contribution to the Field The Resource offers a format for translating injury research to meet the needs of policy makers. As our field looks for ways to assure that evidence is a part of decision-making, the Resource offers a viable model for accomplishing that goal.
This abstract is from proceedings of the Safety 2012 World Conference. |