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

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.