Assessment of Public Health Impact of 20 Non-Research HIV Demonstration Projects by Use of the CDC Science Impact Framework, United States, 2018-2022

J Public Health Manag Pract. 2024 Oct 17. doi: 10.1097/PHH.0000000000002074. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Compared with traditional measures of scientific impact, the CDC Science Impact Framework more broadly, directly, and quickly assesses impact of public health science. For 20 CDC-funded HIV prevention projects that were conducted during 2018-2022, health departments documented impact, based on CDC Science Impact Framework domains: Disseminating Science, Creating Awareness, Catalyzing Action, Effecting Change, and Shaping the Future. Health departments reported 282 impacts: the most common were new partnerships (n = 17, Catalyzing Action), capacity building (n = 16, Effecting Change), new projects or initiatives begun (n = 15, Shaping the Future), new collaborations (n = 14, Catalyzing Action), improved program (n = 13, Shaping the Future), new guidelines or practices (n = 13, Effecting Change), and informed persons affected by work (n = 13, Creating Awareness). Health departments documented substantial impact with a simple, timely, and broad approach. Demonstrating impact is important for community-based organizations, funders, and others interested in public health and helps them better understand the value of public health.