Using Systems Science Methods to Improve the Use of Research Evidence in Policymaking

Todd Combs, PhD
Washington University St. Louis

Douglas Luke, PhD
Washington University St. Louis

Katherine Nelson, PhD
Merck

Jonathan Purtle, PhD
New York University

Hunter McGuire, MPH
Washington University in St. Louis

ABSTRACT:
This presentation will focus on the methods and findings of a project that used surveys, interviews, and an agent-based model to shed new light on the determinants and dynamics of children’s mental health policymaking in state agencies. Jonathan Purtle (New York University) will provide a brief overview of the history of studying research use in policymaking and will present results from surveys and interviews with state and county mental health agency officials. Hunter McGuire (Washington University in St. Louis) will provide an overview of literature about the role of knowledge brokers in policymaking. Doug Luke and Todd Combs (Washington University in St. Louis) will then describe the REDMOD agent-based model, which was informed by survey and interview findings and the knowledge broker literature. The presentation will be moderated by Gracelyn Cruden (Oregon Social Learning Center).