Using science to inform decision making ensures that policies and practices used in the prevention, detection, and treatment of diseases are based on data, principles, interventions, and findings that have been proven through appropriate scientific methods and are therefore more likely to improve health outcomes.

Policy is purposeful action by an organization or institution to address an identified problem or issue through executive, legislative, or administrative means. It can be voluntary or legally binding.

This training module is self-paced. Participants learn the content by reading their workbook and participating in group discussions. Participants apply what they learn by completing practice exercises and skill assessments. They will use a cervical cancer case study for the practice exercises and a secondhand smoking case study for the optional skill assessment.

As a facilitator, you will facilitate or assist in the participants’ learning. Your main roles will be as follows:

• Introduce the module topic

• Lead group discussions to review or elaborate on what participants read

• Answer questions that participants may have during the training

• Review participants’ work and provide feedback

• Be a timekeeper, ensuring participants stay within a general schedule

As a mentor, you will perform the same tasks and play a more active role in supporting the learner after the training with his or her field work.

Using Science to Inform Policy. Atlanta, Georgia: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); 2013.

science-to-inform-policy_fg_final_09262013.pdf