TABLE 2—
Bridges From Knowledge to Action Model Phase | Primary Role of Political Will | Examples |
Phase 1: Gathering Information | Apply political will to increase knowledge base | Legislatures request hearings on issue Policymakers request report on a health issue Government establishes a surveillance system Request increased research funding Community agrees to participate in research and dialogue about issue |
Phase 1.5: Preparing to Develop a Strategy | Build political will to make an actionable strategy on the basis of scientific evidence | Identify influential “champions” for prevention Establish coalition or task force to address issue Use media interviews and opinion editorials to increase public awareness Hold public forums inviting citizen comment Lobby or testify on issue |
Phase 2: Drafting the Strategy | Apply political will to craft the social strategy | Government and citizen groups join a coalition Identify leadership with conflict resolution skills, to facilitate participatory process Secure financial and social resources for process Policy entrepreneurs fit the strategy into political and economic context Groups take ownership and responsibility for strategy implementation |
Phase 2.5: Preparing for Action | Assess and develop the political will necessary for implementation | Environmental scans and community analysis to identify needs, assets, and local opinion leaders (formal and informal) Assess community readiness and capacity Educate decisionmakers about the need for a long-term perspective on changing public health Preimplementation feedback from key stakeholders (target population, health professionals, public health practitioners) |
Phase 3: Taking Action | Apply political will to implement plans | Cultivate interagency cooperation, community coalition, or advisory board Use media campaigns for public education and supporting prevention initiatives Citizens volunteer as peer providers or health educators Legislation or adoption of new policies and regulations Ongoing support by funding, training, and technical assistance |
Phase 3.5: Evaluation | Develop political will for sustaining programs by using new knowledge | Community demand for accountability Disseminate information about process and outcome results in professional and lay outlets Funders request plans for sustainability Policymakers consider effect of recent policies and possible amendments |