Building evidence for prevention: case studies on research impacts and influences on health policy, practice, and research capacity.

BACKGROUND: Public health research must influence both the research field and health sector. This study explored the impacts of four multi-study prevention research programs conducted by an Australian public health research group. METHODS: Using a case study methodology and multiple data sources-document review, interviews, survey, and expert assessments-we studied the trajectories linking research to impact. Analyses included types of evidence generated, context, translational efforts, and impacts across four domains: knowledge development; use of research in the research system; health policy and practice; and health and social impacts. Expert reviewers assessed case studies against indicators covering each impact domain. A framework analysis was used to compare trajectories across cases. RESULTS: Each research program was assessed as having moderate to high impact across all domains. These highly applied, policy relevant research programs achieved significant peer review publications and citations. Both policy-initiated and research-initiated programs included policy collaborators as co-authors. All case studies were policy-aligned and addressed translation factors; and the capacity of individual researchers, the research organization's culture and the degree of collaboration were facilitators of impact. CONCLUSIONS: We found clear evidence of demonstrable policy, practice and academic impacts, with variations in impact degree and types. The differing trajectories signal the importance of assessing impacts in relation to the purpose and focus of the research. These case studies illustrate ways that research can be impactful and how classic translational enabling factors can be enhanced. Sophisticated research translation skills and a collaborative organizational culture appear key attributes for achieving impact.