Every year, millions of dollars and significant effort are expended in the production of health policy research that may never capture the attention of decision-makers. This is not due to a lack of quality or relevance of the research, but rather because the traditional approach to scientific publication and dissemination is not always in alignment with how policymakers and the public consume information. In this article, I will outline 7 principles that you can use to maximize the impact of your health policy research.

Principle 1. Have a dissemination-focused mindset. For many years, I have considered getting a research study published as the ultimate goal. While it is certainly an achievement to have a study published, the reality is that most articles will never be read, let alone seen by decision-makers. Policymakers and other important individuals are often bombarded with information from various sources and are unlikely to spend their time searching for your article on PubMed. It’s crucial to recognize that publishing should be viewed as a starting point, not the final destination for your research. While the peer review process is important for ensuring that your study is scientifically sound, it is equally important to have a well-planned dissemination strategy to effectively communicate your work. With over 700,000 new citations added to PubMed annually, it’s essential to ensure that your research is heard and understood.

Principle 2. Become a subject matter expert. In the early stages of your career, it’s crucial to identify a specific area of focus in which you can establish yourself as a leading authority on a national level. In other words, it’s important to “pick a lane.” This level of expertise is necessary to enable you to confidently discuss the topic with any stakeholder who is interested in your research. Stakeholders often pose questions that are tangential to your particular study, and your breadth and depth of knowledge in the field will allow you to address those questions with ease.

Principle 3. Create a dissemination strategy based on your audience’s needs. Avoid the “curse of knowledge” by presenting your ideas in a manner that is both accessible and relatable to your audience. This will help ensure that they remain interested and invested in your message. It’s important to keep in mind that policymakers may not be well versed in the specifics of your research topic, such as prostate cancer or virtual care. Thus, it’s crucial to avoid diving into the details too quickly, as this can cause your message to become lost. Instead, take the time to walk your audience through your presentation, document, or meeting by starting at a high level and gradually working your way down to the finer points. By doing so, you can help ensure that your research is understood and valued by all.

Principle 4. Create scalable research products. It is important to convert your research article into a more readable and user-friendly format. This can be achieved through policy briefs, infographics, videos, or a tweetorial. While each research product has its own merits, you should consider creating numerous research products so that your work is widely disseminated.

Principle 5. Make ideas memorable. Chip and Dan Heath’s book, “Made to Stick,” presents an acronym called “SUCCESS,” which outlines 6 strategies for making ideas memorable: Simple, Unexpected, Concrete, Credible, Emotional, and Stories. Although scientific research may not inherently possess all of these components, you can incorporate these principles into your communication strategies to effectively convey your findings. For instance, linking your research findings to a patient’s personal story can be a highly compelling way to communicate your research outcomes.

Principle 6. Establish distribution channels. Establishing a distribution channel for your research is crucial. One strategy is to collaborate with organizations such as the American Urological Association. Additionally, you can create your own personal distribution list by collecting the contact information of individuals you meet at scientific meetings or through other channels. Simply request their permission to be added to your research distribution list. With time, this list will expand and grow, providing a valuable platform for disseminating your research.

Principle 7. Have faith in the compound effect. Investing consistent and sustained efforts into research dissemination over time can yield significant rewards and opportunities. Although it may not appear evident in the initial stages, after several years, you will notice that your impact will be much greater with much less effort.