What level of government did you target to translate your research into policy and why did this make the most sense? I am thinking of starting on a system level. I'd like to see if it would be possible to translate my research into a policy within a system. Even though I'm working with both UCSF and Kaiser, I am planning to target the entire Kaiser system since it's somewhat national. If the research implementation is successful, then there's more evidence to present o policymakers on a national level. Simultaneously, I am thinking of targeting the County of San Francisco. Since there are many suicide prevention programs available in the county, and the San Francisco Elder Abuse prevention sector is very popular, it may be more feasible to work at a County level. I imagine that if San Francisco can shine as a model for suicide prevention, policymakers in other counties may slowly consider the results of this research.
What level of government makes the most sense for you to translate your research into policy and why? With the UCSF arm of the study, starting at a County or citywide level may be the best way to start. In regards to Kaiser, I may target each region separately. I'd be focusing mostly on the decision makers within each region. ,
What strategies did you use to reach policymakers? The main policymaker that I have targeted in Kaiser is the Chief Medical Director. I also tried to target the Chief Medical Officer of Sutter Health. Thus far, Kaiser National is interested in the study. The main strategy I used was to evaluate the initiatives they have already going on and seeing how my research can strengthen their existing initiatives. I also listened to the concerns and threats they have about the findings and how the dissemination could hurt the system. The other strategies that I have yet to discuss with them include, sharing results of my work with them and identifying ownership of data, how to utilize the tools they already have in their system.
3) Meeting and producing in areas that are also useful to them to gain credibility.
What steps are available to you to reach policymakers? Setting up regular meetings and identifying the people who should be involved. In addition, I plan to do more education on how to roll out a policy within a small system and then how to scale up. Developing a mission statement for the initiative. Local newspaper articles (Chronicle) and using social media and opinion leaders. .