Research-to-Policy Collaboration for Addiction Prevention

Overseen By Jennifer T Scott, Ph.D

Age: Any Age

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Penn State University

Disqualifiers: Not a state-level public official

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

300 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to assist policymakers in using scientific research to develop better policies for preventing substance misuse. It tests the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) Model, which connects researchers with state officials to promote evidence-based decision-making. By enhancing policy-making processes, the trial hopes to reduce substance misuse issues at the community level. The trial seeks state-level public officials to participate. As an unphased trial, participants can contribute to pioneering efforts that shape effective policy-making.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial does not specify whether participants need to stop taking their current medications.

What prior data suggests that the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) Model is safe for use in policymaking?

Research has shown that the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) Model effectively connects researchers with policymakers. This model has been tested in various situations, highlighting its benefits and challenges. No safety concerns exist because it doesn't involve drugs or medical procedures; it focuses on sharing information. Without physical treatment, participants face no risk of physical harm. The goal is to enhance the collaboration between research and policy to help prevent substance misuse. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) Model because it offers a novel approach to addiction prevention by directly involving legislative offices in the process. Unlike traditional treatments for addiction that focus on individual or community-based interventions, the RPC Model aims to bridge the gap between research and policy, ensuring that evidence-based practices are more effectively integrated into legislative decision-making. This method has the potential to create systemic change by influencing policies that can lead to broader, long-term impacts on addiction prevention efforts.

What evidence suggests that the Research-to-Policy Collaboration Model is effective for substance misuse prevention?

Studies have shown that the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) Model can increase policy engagement by 55%. This model facilitates effective collaboration between researchers and policymakers, enabling the use of scientific evidence in lawmaking. In this trial, some legislative offices will receive the full RPC Model intervention, while others will serve as a control group without it. The Texas RPC Project found this approach both effective and cost-efficient in building strong connections between researchers and lawmakers. By applying addiction research to real-world situations, the RPC Model can lead to improved prevention programs and policies. This ultimately aims to reduce substance misuse by ensuring that policymaking is guided by the latest scientific findings. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for state-level policymakers involved in substance misuse prevention policy. It aims to improve the use of scientific evidence in policymaking, potentially increasing the availability of evidence-based programs and policies.

Inclusion Criteria

State-level public officials

Exclusion Criteria

Anyone who is not a state-level public official

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Intervention

Implementation of the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) Model to support policymakers' use of scientific evidence

6 months

Ongoing engagement with policymakers

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for changes in engagement and use of research evidence in policymaking

6 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) Model

Trial Overview

The study tests a formal approach called the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) Model against a control group, using a randomized controlled trial with 30 states to see if it effectively supports policymakers' use of research evidence.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Intervention Group Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Legislative offices who receive the full Research-to-Policy Model intervention.

Group II: Control Group Active Control 1 Intervention

Legislative Offices who do not receive the full RPC Model intervention.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Penn State University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

380

Recruited

131,000+

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Collaborator

Trials

2,658

Recruited

3,409,000+

Published Research Related to This Trial

A survey of 101 Australian researchers revealed a strong preference for a balanced funding approach (50/50) between agency-directed and researcher-initiated addiction research, with a focus on alcohol (32%) and tobacco (18%) as top priorities for research spending.

Researchers identified significant barriers to prevention research, particularly the complexities of design and methodology, and emphasized the need for increased funding, collaboration, and political support to enhance research efforts in this area.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Researchers' views about priorities for research on alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. Walsh, RA., Low, A., Sanson-Fisher, RW.[2005]

Research conducted between 1991 and 2001 by the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre highlighted the growing issue of heroin dependence in Australia, which increased to around 100,000 users by the late 1990s.

The findings from this research contributed to the policy discussions regarding the potential for a controlled trial of heroin prescription, emphasizing the complex relationship between research outcomes and drug policy formulation.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The contribution of research to Australian policy responses to heroin dependence 1990-2001: a personal retrospection. Hall, W.[2007]

The paper emphasizes the importance of translating research findings from addiction studies into practical applications for treatment programs, which can enhance program outcomes.

It discusses the development of an outcomes management system that utilizes evidence-based decision support to predict patient responses and reduce dropout rates in addiction treatment, highlighting its potential impact on improving treatment effectiveness.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Translating addictions research into evidence-based practice: the Polaris CD outcomes management system. Toche-Manley, L., Grissom, G., Dietzen, L., et al.[2021]

The Society for Prevention Research established comprehensive standards to classify prevention programs and policies as efficacious, effective, or ready for dissemination, ensuring accountability and clarity in the field.

An efficacious intervention must be tested in at least two rigorous trials with defined populations and show consistent positive effects, while an effective intervention must also include practical implementation support and real-world evaluation, indicating its readiness for broader adoption.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Standards of evidence: criteria for efficacy, effectiveness and dissemination. Flay, BR., Biglan, A., Boruch, RF., et al.[2019]

Despite progress in prevention science for tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, significant challenges remain in translating research into effective practice, particularly in ensuring implementation fidelity and adapting programs to fit different contexts.

Future advancements in prevention will depend on collaborative research models that integrate researchers and practitioners in real-world settings to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of prevention programs.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Advancing prevention science and practice: challenges, critical issues, and future directions. Botvin, GJ.[2019]

The HEAL Prevention Cooperative (HPC) is focused on implementing and testing effective interventions to prevent opioid misuse among youth and young adults, addressing the urgent need due to rising overdose rates in the USA.

This study will analyze the implementation experiences of nine research projects to identify best practices and adaptable components of prevention interventions, ultimately creating resources to aid in the effective adoption and implementation of these strategies in real-world settings.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Accelerating Solutions for the Overdose Crisis: an Effectiveness-Implementation Hybrid Protocol for the HEAL Prevention Cooperative. Patel, SV., Cance, JD., Bonar, EE., et al.[2023]

The Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) model effectively bridges the gap between prevention research and legislative action, successfully mobilizing scientists and engaging policymakers to request evidence-based strategies.

Implementing the RPC model costs approximately $3510 per legislative office and can generate evidence requests at an average cost of $444 each, highlighting a cost-effective approach to enhancing the use of scientific evidence in public policy.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Translating Prevention Research for Evidence-Based Policymaking: Results from the Research-to-Policy Collaboration Pilot. Crowley, M., Scott, JTB., Fishbein, D.[2021]

The decade-long partnership between the Prevention Research Center at Penn State and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency has successfully implemented nearly 200 evidence-based prevention and intervention programs, significantly improving youth outcomes.

The collaboration has led to a more efficient use of system resources, highlighting the importance of research-policy partnerships in enhancing community support and intervention strategies.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A state agency-university partnership for translational research and the dissemination of evidence-based prevention and intervention. Bumbarger, BK., Campbell, EM.[2022]

A new research-practice integration (RPI) model has been developed to enhance the translation of research findings into real-world clinical practices for treating alcoholism and other drug dependencies, emphasizing collaboration among stakeholders like clinicians, patients, and researchers.

The RPI model's effectiveness is demonstrated through a case study involving a managed health care plan that successfully utilized key research findings to improve treatment services for adolescents with alcohol and other drug dependence.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Translating research findings into practice: example of treatment services for adolescents in managed care. Sterling, S., Weisner, C.[2020]

Citations

1.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12005086/

How substance use prevention research gets used in ...

The aim of the present study was to explore how research was used in United States federal legislation that emphasized SU/SUD prevention.

2.

withpower.com

withpower.com/trial/phase-substance-related-disorders-3-2023-8505a

Research-to-Policy Collaboration for Addiction Prevention

The effectiveness of the RPC Model treatment for addiction prevention is indirectly supported by research on translating addiction studies into practice ...

3.

trestlelink.org

trestlelink.org/models/research-to-policy-collaboration/

Research-to-Policy Collaboration

Researchers randomly assigned to the RPC model also report a 55% increase in policy engagement, improved knowledge of lobbying rules, and a ...

4.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5803346/

Translating prevention research for evidence-based ...

This work reports on the feasibility of a model for overcoming these barriers—known as the Research-to-Policy Collaboration (RPC) ...

5.

cdc.gov

cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2024/24_0171.htm

The Texas Research-to-Policy Collaboration Project

Results illustrated the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of this model for fostering personal connections between researchers and policymakers ...

6.

evidence2impact.psu.edu

evidence2impact.psu.edu/research-to-policy-collaboration/

Research-to-Policy Collaboration

The RPC model has undergone extensive experimental testing to determine its value for both legislative and researcher participants.