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Description of the Science Impact Framework

The framework illustrates the “Historical Tracing Method” with 5 domains of CDC scientific influence that define degrees of impact that may not be chronological (the degree of impact is not necessarily a progression; therefore, events captured may not be reflected at every domain). In addition, there may be loop-back at any point. Health outcomes are the ultimate goal – driven by the 5 domains of influence. Key indicators are listed for each domain of influence as a way to track and qualify events at each domain of influence. These indicators are flexible, and the ones listed are some examples.

Key Indicators [241 KB]

Science Impact Framework

Key Indicators

  • Scientific publication (open access journal)
  • Trade publications
  • Professional meetings/conferences
  • General communication (social media, web, print)
  • Presentations
  • Training, coursework
  • Other scientific output (CDC Public Health Grand Rounds, Vital Signs, Science Clips)

  • Continuing education (CME, CEU) Awards
  • Stakeholder resources, curriculum, training
  • Feedback (survey, focus groups, anecdote)
  • Information sharing, communications among professional societies
  • Electronic communications (information shared on listservs, social media, news coverage)
  • Queries
  • Requests to contribute to efforts that further science output

  • Technology creation
  • New funding (pilots/research)
  • Advocacy groups/NGOs
  • Congressional hearings
  • Partnerships and collaborations
  • Research and development
  • Office practice/point of care changes

  • Building public health capacity (e.g., workforce development, funded research, improved staff competency)
  • Creation of registries/surveillance
  • Legal/policy changes
  • Accreditation
  • Cultural/social change
  • Behavioral change
  • Economic change
  • CMS reimbursement
  • Other payer actions
  • Change instilled
  • (New) formal guidelines and recommendations (e.g., WHO)
  • Hospital standards
  • Funding
  • Anecdotes/case studies
  • Sustainable and scalable science translation

  • New hypothesis/continuous quality improvement
  • Implementation of public health programs/initiatives
  • Health outcomes
  • Prevalence and incidence
  • Morbidity and mortality (e.g., frequency of outbreaks, trends)
  • Life expectancy
  • Quality of life improvements
  • Reductions in economic burden

  • Page last reviewed: June 15, 2017
  • Page last updated: June 15, 2017
  • Content source:
    • Office of the Associate Director for Science
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