Using "Policy Briefs" to Present Scientific Results of CBPR: Farmworkers in North Carolina

Background: Using scientific results to inform policy that improves health and well-being of vulnerable community members is essential to community-based participatory research (CBPR).

Objectives: We describe "policy briefs," a mechanism developed to apply the results of CBPR projects with migrant and seasonal farmworkers to policy changes.

Lessons Learned: Policy briefs are two-page summaries of published research that address a single policy issue using language and graphics to make the science accessible to diverse audiences. Policy brief topics are selected by community advocates, based on collaborative research, and address a specific policy or regulation. Development is an iterative process of discussion with community representatives. Briefs have been used to provide information to advocates, state and national policymakers, and the public.

Conclusions: Disseminating CBPR results to address policy is needed. Collaborating with community partners to produce policy briefs ensures that information about concerns and struggles reflects their priorities.